2027: ‘Peace Accord Meaningless Without Justice, Accountability’ — Adebayo

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has questioned the effectiveness of the National Peace Accord signed by political parties and candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Adebayo argued that peace agreements would have limited impact if there were no justice, accountability and respect for democratic institutions.

He spoke with journalists on Tuesday at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, where presidential candidates, political parties and other stakeholders signed the accord.

The event was organised by the National Peace Committee in partnership with the Kukah Centre to encourage peaceful, issue-based campaigns ahead of the elections.

However, Adebayo said similar agreements had been signed before previous elections but were allegedly violated without meaningful consequences.

“There cannot be anything like peace. How do you expect justice to be done by those who violate the rules?” he asked.

The SDP candidate said the government had a responsibility to create an environment where elections could be conducted peacefully without relying heavily on political agreements.

He argued that adherence to the Constitution and the independence of institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies would provide a stronger foundation for credible elections.

“If the President can keep to his oath of office and govern the country according to the law, and make sure that all enforcement agencies, INEC, and all the organisations and institutions of government play their role, there will be no need for signing this,” Adebayo said.

He also questioned whether the recently concluded Osun State governorship election demonstrated significant progress in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Adebayo referred to reports of deaths recorded during the election and criticised the deployment of about 30 commissioners of police to the state.

According to him, the heavy security presence did not prevent incidents that raised concerns about the conduct of the election.

He maintained that Nigeria needed to strengthen its democratic institutions and ensure that they operated independently and effectively.

Adebayo said the country should develop an electoral system where compliance with laws and institutional accountability naturally promote peaceful elections, rather than depending on candidates to repeatedly sign peace agreements before every election.