The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Mr Peter Obi, has urged for a peaceful and focused campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections. He believes politicians running for public office should behave in a way that reflects the importance of the positions they want to hold.
Obi made this statement on Tuesday in Abuja during the National Peace Accord signing ceremony. This event was organized by the National Peace Committee together with The Kukah Centre.
Before the ceremony started, Obi spoke to journalists about his worries over deaths linked to elections. He asked Nigerians to make sure that no one loses their life because of an election.
He said candidates should not need an agreement to act responsibly. Those aiming for high political positions should lead by example through their behavior.
"We have a peaceful, issue-based campaign. We must, for the sake of this country, ensure that our conduct reflects the office we’re seeking, our behaviour. We must do the right thing and campaign on issues that Nigerians are going through today," Obi stated.
The former governor of Anambra State said politicians should show dignity in their actions before, during, and after elections. He pointed out that political leaders cannot expect to be called "His Excellency" without showing excellence in their actions.
"We don’t even need to sign this. We’re seeking an office where we should be exemplary. You can’t answer ‘His Excellency’ without being an excellent person. So that process that will make you answer ‘Excellency’ should be excellent, and the only way to do it is to conduct yourself properly," he added.
Obi also remembered those who lost their lives during the recent Osun State governorship election. He emphasized that election-related violence should not be a normal part of Nigeria’s democracy.
He mentioned he had previously called for visits to the families of the deceased. He urged political actors to pray and behave in ways that would stop future loss of lives during elections.
"Let us not forget those who died to ensure that the election in Osun was achieved. We should visit them, console their families, remain prayerful and conduct ourselves in a way that in our democracy, nobody needs to die for an election. It is painful, and I wish it never happens again," Obi said.
When asked if he still believed in Nigeria’s election process despite its problems, Obi said his wish to change the system is why he wants to take part in it. "Because I want to change the process, I have to go through it, so I have to believe in it," he explained.
He also talked about calls for a "justice accord" that would punish candidates or parties for breaking commitments in the peace agreement. He said what the agreement is called matters less than how candidates act personally. Politicians should show the values expected of public office holders.
"Well, whatever it is, whether we call it justice accord or we call it peace accord, personal conduct of the candidate must reflect the office he’s seeking. Behaviour, expression, anytime, must reflect that office," he said.
When asked about his biggest worry as the 2027 election approaches, Obi said he mainly wants a process where Nigerians can choose their leaders freely through their votes. "I don’t have any fear, except to say that please, for the sake of the children of Nigeria, can we have an election where people’s vote will count?" he asked.
Obi added that the ultimate punishment for politicians who break election promises should come from voters at the polls.
When asked what should happen to a party or candidate who breaks the peace accord, he replied, "Well, the punishment is that Nigerians should not vote for them."
Obi’s comments come as political parties and presidential hopefuls gear up for the 2027 elections. These elections are expected to be competitive, with the economy, security, unemployment, cost of living, and the credibility of the election process likely to be major issues.
The call for peaceful and focused campaigns also comes in light of Nigeria’s history of election violence, claims of malpractice, and the loss of lives during political contests. Obi places the responsibility for a peaceful 2027 election on electoral bodies, security agencies, candidates, and political parties. He urges voters to hold politicians responsible through their votes.
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