In a significant move towards ensuring peaceful elections, presidential candidates and national chairmen of various political parties gathered in Abuja on Tuesday to sign the first National Peace Accord ahead of the 2027 general elections. The signing ceremony took place at the International Conference Centre and was organized by the National Peace Committee.

The accord was signed on behalf of President Bola Tinubu by George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, alongside Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Prominent figures at the event included Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, and Omoyele Sowore from the African Action Congress, both of whom signed the accord in person.

Other participating parties 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 event served as a platform for party leaders to affirm their commitment to a peaceful electoral process, despite the political disagreements that may arise during the campaign.

An MC at the event emphasized that the signing was not merely ceremonial but a serious commitment to fostering peace and harmony in Nigeria. The National Peace Committee, chaired by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has a history of facilitating similar accords aimed at promoting democratic stability and reducing political tensions in previous election cycles.

However, not all participants viewed the accord as a genuine commitment. Omoyele Sowore expressed skepticism, referring to the signing as a “ritual” and highlighting the violence that marred the recent governorship election in Osun State. He criticized previous accords, stating, “The people who signed the peace accord in Osun State killed 50 people after they signed the peace accord.” Sowore called for a “Justice Accord” that would impose sanctions on candidates or parties that violate the terms of the peace agreement.

Peter Obi also voiced his concerns, advocating for a campaign focused on peace and relevant issues affecting Nigerians. He urged politicians to conduct themselves in a manner befitting the offices they seek, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who lost their lives during the Osun election. “We must ensure that our conduct reflects the office we’re seeking,” Obi stated, calling for a collective effort to prevent violence in future elections.

The ceremony was attended by notable figures, including the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and ambassadors from the European Union and Switzerland to Nigeria, who delivered goodwill messages highlighting the importance of peaceful elections.

This event marks a pivotal moment as political parties gear up for the 2027 general elections, with the hope that the National Peace Accord will contribute to a more stable and peaceful electoral environment in Nigeria.