Political parties and presidential and National Assembly candidates have signed the first National Peace Accord on issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, pledging to reject violence, hate speech, misinformation, personal attacks and other actions capable of undermining the electoral process.
The accord was signed in Abuja on Tuesday at a ceremony organised by the National Peace Committee in partnership with The Kukah Centre, less than 24 hours before the statutory commencement of public campaigns and rallies for the elections.
The event brought together the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, political party leaders, presidential candidates, National Assembly candidates, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and representatives of the diplomatic community, among other stakeholders.
Those who signed the accord included President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi; the Social Democratic Party candidate, Adewole Adebayo; and the African Action Congress candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
The signatories committed themselves to conducting their campaigns peacefully and focusing on issues rather than personal attacks or inflammatory rhetoric.
The accord is aimed at promoting responsible political communication and reducing the risk of violence and tension as parties begin nationwide campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.
The development comes as political parties intensify preparations for the elections, with the National Peace Committee urging candidates and their supporters to uphold democratic values and respect the rights of other contestants throughout the electoral process.