ABUJA — August 19, 2026
Presidential candidates and national chairmen of major political parties have signed the first 2027 National Peace Accord, pledging to pursue their political ambitions peacefully and protect Nigeria’s democratic stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday at the International Conference Centre in Abuja during a ceremony organised by the National Peace Committee, chaired by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.).
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was absent from the ceremony, was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. Akume signed the accord on behalf of the President alongside the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda.
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, and the African Action Congress candidate, Omoyele Sowore, personally signed the agreement.
Representatives of several other political parties, 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, also participated in the ceremony.
The accord was formally signed by presidential candidates, party chairmen, National Assembly and governorship candidates, as well as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Inspector-General of Police.
In goodwill messages, INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, European Union Ambassador to Nigeria Gautier Mignot, and Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria Patrick Egloff called on political actors to uphold democratic values and work towards peaceful elections.
The National Peace Committee described the agreement as a substantive commitment to peaceful democratic competition rather than a mere ceremonial exercise.
However, Sowore expressed reservations about the effectiveness of the accord, describing it as a “ritual” in light of the violence and deaths recorded during the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
“I don’t have faith in it. I’m bringing faith to the system. Those are two different things,” Sowore told journalists.
He questioned the effectiveness of previous peace agreements, alleging that some politicians who signed such accords later became involved in acts of violence.
Sowore called for what he termed a “Justice Accord”, with clearly defined sanctions for political parties and candidates who violate the commitments contained in the agreement.
Obi, however, urged politicians to ensure that their campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections remain peaceful, issue-based and focused on the challenges confronting Nigerians.
The former Anambra State governor said politicians seeking public office must conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the responsibilities attached to the positions they seek.
“We have a peaceful, issue-based campaign. We must, for the sake of this country, ensure that our conduct reflects the office we’re seeking,” Obi said.
He also called on Nigerians and political leaders to remember those who lost their lives during the recent Osun governorship election and support their families.
According to Obi, Nigeria must reach a point where no citizen loses their life because of an election.
“It is painful, and I wish it never happens again,” he said.
Tuesday’s ceremony marked the first National Peace Accord signing involving political parties and candidates preparing for the 2027 general elections under the auspices of the National Peace Committee.
The committee is expected to continue consultations with political parties and other stakeholders as preparations for the 2027 polls intensify, with the aim of promoting peaceful campaigns, credible elections and democratic stability across the country.
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