In a move to promote stability and civility ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections, presidential candidates Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC), Peter Obi of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and incumbent President Bola Tinubu have all signed a national peace agreement.
The signing ceremony, held on Tuesday at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Center in Abuja, was attended by representatives of various political parties, gubernatorial candidates, and members of the national assembly, alongside other presidential hopefuls. The event was also graced by the presence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Joash Amupitan.
George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), represented President Tinubu during the event. In his remarks, Akume lauded the efforts of the National Peace Committee (NPC), which is led by notable figures including former President Abdulsalami Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, and Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, for their ongoing efforts in fostering peaceful elections since 2014.
Akume highlighted that Nigeria’s highly competitive political environment often generates tension and concern, emphasizing the importance of continued dialogue and commitment to electoral peace.
He said;
“Since 1999, every election period has brought its share of anxiety because of the nature of our politics and the intense competition for power by political actors.”
“While politics and the contest of power can be loud, and often create tension among politicians, we must acknowledge the progress we have made in our electoral process in terms of transparency and election management by INEC.”
“With the aid of technology, INEC has recorded tremendous improvement with every election cycle.
“These instruments have restored power to the voters who are now sure that their votes will count. Politicians are now more accountable to the people because votes count.”
“We have gathered today to commit ourselves to a peaceful and transparent electoral process. Signing this peace accord is a pledge to the Nigerian people that we as leaders will put the nation’s interest above personal ambition.”
“We may exchange occasional political jabs, but as members of the same household, nation and family, we must never resort to divisive, primordial sentiments, religion and ethnicity as tools for seeking power.”
“Let us campaign on superior arguments and debate issues and promote the best policies.
“Election is not a do-or-die affair, win or lose, our country Nigeria must be the ultimate winner.”
Speaking at the event, Obi said he was participating in the political process because he wanted to change it.
“Because I want to change the process, I have to go through it. You can’t answer his excellency without being an excellent person. The process that will make you answer his excellency should be excellent,” Obi said.
“I don’t have any fears ahead of the election.”
Ultimately, a peaceful election remains the goal for Nigeria, ensuring stability, unity, and progress for the nation. We sincerely appreciate the commitment of all the leaders who have willingly signed the peace accord, demonstrating their dedication to conducting a civil and credible electoral process. Their efforts serve as a beacon of hope for a harmonious democratic journey ahead.
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Rose Ajieh
