Prior to the 2027 general election, Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and President Bola Tinubu have signed the national peace accord.
Attendees of the event, which took place on Tuesday at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Center in Abuja, included chairmen of political parties, candidates for governorship and national assembly, and representatives of other presidential contenders.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Joash Amupitan, was also there.
George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), spoke on behalf of Tinubu at the signing ceremony.
Speaking on Tinubu’s behalf, Akume commended the National Peace Committee (NPC) leadership, which includes former president Abdulsalami Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, and Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, for organizing the event and maintaining the peace initiative since 2014.
According to Akume, the fierce competition for political power in Nigeria’s elections has continued to cause anxiety.
He said;
“Since 1999, every election period has brought its share of anxiety because of the nature of our politics and the intense competition for power by political actors.”
“While politics and the contest of power can be loud, and often create tension among politicians, we must acknowledge the progress we have made in our electoral process in terms of transparency and election management by INEC.”
“With the aid of technology, INEC has recorded tremendous improvement with every election cycle.
“These instruments have restored power to the voters who are now sure that their votes will count. Politicians are now more accountable to the people because votes count.”
“We have gathered today to commit ourselves to a peaceful and transparent electoral process. Signing this peace accord is a pledge to the Nigerian people that we as leaders will put the nation’s interest above personal ambition.”
“We may exchange occasional political jabs, but as members of the same household, nation and family, we must never resort to divisive, primordial sentiments, religion and ethnicity as tools for seeking power.”
“Let us campaign on superior arguments and debate issues and promote the best policies.
“Election is not a do-or-die affair, win or lose, our country Nigeria must be the ultimate winner.”
Speaking at the event, Obi said he was participating in the political process because he wanted to change it.
“Because I want to change the process, I have to go through it. You can’t answer his excellency without being an excellent person. The process that will make you answer his excellency should be excellent,” Obi said.
“I don’t have any fears ahead of the election.”
This development is extremely significant for Nigeria’s future, as it signals a potential shift in the political landscape and a united front for meaningful change. The collaboration between Tinubu, Obi, and Sowore could greatly influence the upcoming elections and shape the nation’s trajectory. Recognizing the importance of this alliance underscores its impact on Nigeria’s democracy and the urgent need for continued engagement and support from all stakeholders.
