Politicians Sign Peace Accord for 2027 Elections

Presidential candidates and party leaders gathered on Tuesday to sign the first National Peace Accord for the 2027 general elections in Abuja.

President Bola Tinubu was represented by George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Also present was Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress.

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, and Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress signed the accord themselves.

Other political parties that took part included the Labour Party, Democratic Leadership Alliance, National Democratic Party, National Rescue Movement, Social Democratic Party, Youth Party, Young Progressives Party, and Zenith Labour Party, among others.

The signing event took place at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.

Footage from the event shown on Channels TV captured party leaders and presidential candidates signing the accord one by one.

An MC at the event highlighted that this moment showed the parties and candidates agree that, despite their differences on how to run Nigeria, "this great nation must move forward in peace and harmony."

He emphasized that the signing is "not a mere ceremony" or just "putting ink on paper," but a serious commitment.

The National Peace Committee, led by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has helped organize similar accords in past elections to support democratic stability and lessen political tensions.

But, while speaking to journalists at the event, Sowore criticized the accord, calling it a "ritual." He referred to the deaths that occurred during the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

"I don’t have faith in it. I’m bringing faith to the system. Those are two different things," Sowore stated.

He pointed out that those who signed previous peace accords in Osun State later committed acts of violence.

"The people who signed the peace accord in Osun State killed 50 people after they signed it. So if you really meant anything at all, why would you sign the peace accord and then go and carry a gun after that and kill 50 people? What will you expect after signing today’s peace accord? We conclude the ritual and move on to campaigning," he said.

Sowore suggested a "Justice Accord" that would impose penalties on candidates or parties that break the commitments in the peace agreement.

Obi also spoke about the need for peaceful and issue-based campaigns. He said politicians aiming for public office should act in a way that reflects the positions they want to hold.

"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 explained.

The former governor of Anambra State also asked everyone to remember those who lost their lives during the recent Osun governorship election.

"Let us not forget those who died to ensure that the Osun election happened as it did. We should visit their families, console them, remain prayerful, and behave in a way that ensures nobody needs to die for an election in our democracy. It is painful, and I wish it never happens again," he added.

Tuesday’s event was the first time political parties and candidates for the 2027 general elections signed the National Peace Accord under General Abubakar's leadership.