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African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate Seyi Makinde were absent from Tuesday’s signing ceremony for the National Peace Accord.
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore signed the accord in person at the International Conference Centre in Abuja alongside party leaders.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and All Progressives Congress National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, signed on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
Political parties, presidential candidates and National Assembly candidates on Tuesday signed the First National Peace Accord for the 2027 general elections.
The parties and candidates pledged to shun violence, hate speech, personal attacks, misinformation and other conduct capable of undermining the 2027 election.
The ceremony came a day before the statutory commencement of public campaigns and rallies for the 2027 general elections, as contained in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s revised timetable.
Speaking on behalf of Tinubu, Akume urged political actors to place national interest above personal and partisan ambitions.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He acknowledged the tension that often accompanies political contests in Nigeria but said the country had made considerable progress in electoral management, particularly through the adoption of technology by INEC.
Tinubu also urged political parties to resist the temptation to exploit ethnic and religious sentiments during the campaigns.
“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,” he said.
“Let us campaign on superior ideas. Let us debate issues and promote the best policies to expand opportunities for our people,” Tinubu added.
The president said the APC would abide by the provisions of the accord and reject violence, hate speech, misinformation and incitement, including the use of artificial intelligence and social media to spread false information.
“We are committed to peaceful, transparent elections that will strengthen political stability, social harmony, economic progress, and our nation’s prosperity,” he said.
