Two major opposition presidential candidates, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, were notably absent on Tuesday as political parties signed the First National Peace Accord ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The signing ceremony, organized by the National Peace Committee in partnership with The Kukah Centre, took place in Abuja on the eve of the official commencement of campaigns for the 2027 polls.
Both Atiku and Makinde are presidential candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) respectively. Their absence drew attention at the event, which had in attendance other party leaders and presidential candidates.
President Bola Tinubu, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
Also present were the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, several political party leaders, and presidential candidates.
The Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), was represented by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (retd.).
At the ceremony, political parties and presidential and National Assembly candidates pledged to shun violence, hate speech, personal attacks, misinformation, and other conduct capable of undermining the electoral process.
Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, SGF George Akume urged political actors to place national interest above personal and partisan ambitions, saying elections should not be treated as a do-or-die affair.
He commended the National Peace Committee for sustaining its peace initiatives since 2014, noting its role in encouraging peaceful and issue-based campaigns.
“Signing this peace accord is a solemn pledge to the Nigerian people that we, as leaders, will put the nation’s interests above personal or partisan ambitions,” Akume said, quoting the President.
President Tinubu, in the statement delivered by Akume, acknowledged the tension that often accompanies political contests but said Nigeria had made progress in electoral management through INEC’s adoption of technology.
He cited the Permanent Voter Cards, Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, and electronic accreditation as measures that have strengthened confidence in the electoral system.
He also cautioned parties against exploiting ethnic and religious sentiments.
“It is natural during campaigns to disagree as opponents and advocate competing governing missions for our country. We may exchange occasional political jabs, but as members of the same household, the same national family, we must never resort to divisive and primordial sentiments of ethnicity or religion as tools for seeking power.
“Let us campaign on superior ideas. Let us debate issues and promote the best policies to expand opportunities for our people,” he said.
The ceremony came one day before the statutory commencement of public campaigns and rallies for the 2027 general elections, as contained in INEC’s revised timetable.
According to INEC, presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.
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