The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has explained his decision to sign the National Peace Accord, saying political leaders must conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the offices they seek.
Obi joined other presidential and political party candidates in Abuja on Tuesday to sign the accord organised by the National Peace Committee in partnership with The Kukah Centre.
The agreement commits political parties and candidates to peaceful and issue-based campaigns while rejecting violence, hate speech, personal attacks, misinformation and other actions capable of undermining the electoral process.
In a statement on Wednesday, Obi said his decision to sign the accord reinforced his commitment to responsible political conduct.
“My signing of the accord is a reinforcement of my continued commitment to insisting that we, as candidates, must conduct ourselves in a way that reflects the office we aspire to,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor urged political leaders to reject violent rhetoric and ensure their supporters do not engage in actions capable of threatening peace and national unity.
According to Obi, the 2027 election should focus on issues affecting the daily lives of Nigerians, including insecurity, poverty, national unity, the growing number of out-of-school children and the need to restore hope among citizens.
He said, “The next elections must be strictly based on the issues that matter to Nigerians: unity, insecurity, pulling people out of poverty, reducing the number of out-of-school children, and restoring hope to the long-suffering people of our country.”
Obi also called on his supporters to remain peaceful and committed throughout the electioneering period.
He expressed confidence in the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free, fair and credible elections, while stressing the importance of neutrality by security and law enforcement agencies.
Taking a swipe at politicians who seek the title “His Excellency,” Obi said those aspiring to occupy public office must demonstrate exemplary conduct.
“Those of us wishing to be addressed as ‘His Excellency’ must behave excellently, and, more importantly, the process of attaining public office must be excellent,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has also urged political parties and candidates to avoid violence, hate speech and ethnic or religious rhetoric during the 2027 election campaign.
Tinubu, represented at the ceremony by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said political disagreements were inevitable but should not degenerate into threats or divisive appeals.
The President urged politicians to campaign based on policies, ideas and practical solutions rather than personal attacks.
He also reminded political actors that elections should not be treated as a do-or-die affair.
“Win or lose, our country, Nigeria, must be the ultimate winner,” Tinubu said.
The President pledged the commitment of his administration and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the provisions of the Peace Accord and called on all political parties and candidates to make the same commitment.
The signing of the accord marks the beginning of a renewed push for peaceful and issue-based political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general election.
