2027: Tinubu, Obi, Sowore, Others Sign First National Peace Accord

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, presidential candidates and national chairmen of major political parties on Tuesday signed the first National Peace Accord in Abuja.

The signing ceremony, organised by the National Peace Committee, took place at the International Conference Centre, with representatives of political parties, electoral authorities, security agencies and members of the diplomatic community in attendance.

President Bola Tinubu was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who signed the accord alongside the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, and the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, also signed the agreement in person.

Several other political parties participated in the ceremony, including the Labour Party, Democratic Leadership Alliance, National Democratic Party, National Rescue Movement, Social Democratic Party, Youth Party, Young Progressives Party and Zenith Labour Party.

Party leaders and presidential candidates took turns approaching the signing table to append their signatures to the agreement.

The ceremony also featured the formal signing of the accord by National Assembly candidates, governorship candidates, political party chairmen, presidential candidates, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Inspector-General of Police.

The National Peace Committee said the accord is intended to promote peaceful political conduct and responsible engagement among parties and candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

The agreement also seeks to encourage credible democratic competition and discourage actions capable of undermining the electoral process or threatening public peace.

The participation of presidential candidates, political party leaders, electoral officials and security authorities underscored the importance attached to peaceful political competition ahead of the next general elections.

The signing comes as political parties and candidates begin preparations for the 2027 electoral cycle, with campaigns and political activities expected to intensify as the election approaches.

The National Peace Accord is expected to serve as a framework for candidates and parties to commit themselves to peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process.