The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 presidential election, Peter Obi, has signed the first National Peace Accord for the 2027 Presidential Elections, challenging political leaders and other presidential contenders to demonstrate exemplary conduct as the race for the presidency intensifies.
Obi disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday following his participation in the signing of the accord, which brought together presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 election.
The former Anambra State governor said his decision to sign the accord reaffirmed his commitment to a peaceful, issue-based and credible electoral process, insisting that candidates must conduct themselves in a manner befitting the offices they seek to occupy.
He warned political leaders against inflammatory rhetoric and urged them to take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters throughout the electioneering period.
“My signing of the accord is a reinforcement of my continued commitment to insisting that we, as candidates, must conduct ourselves in a way that reflects the office we aspire to. Leaders must eschew all forms of violent rhetoric and rein in their followers to do the same,” Obi said.
Obi said the 2027 presidential election should not become another contest dominated by political rancour, personal attacks, violence and divisive rhetoric, but should instead focus on the pressing challenges confronting Nigerians.
He identified national unity, insecurity, poverty, the growing number of out-of-school children and the restoration of hope among Nigerians as some of the major issues that should take centre stage during the campaigns.
“The next elections must be strictly based on the issues that matter to Nigerians: unity, insecurity, pulling people out of poverty, reducing the number of out-of-school children, and restoring hope to the long-suffering people of our country,” he said.
The NDC candidate also appealed to his supporters and supporters of other political parties to recognise the significance of the peace accord and respect the commitments made by the presidential candidates.
“Our supporters must see that we have all committed to free, fair, and credible elections based on issues and devoid of rancour,” Obi said.
In one of the strongest statements in his message, Obi challenged politicians seeking public office to prove their capacity for responsible leadership through their personal conduct.
He questioned the meaning of the prestigious title “His Excellency”, arguing that anyone seeking such recognition must first demonstrate excellence in character, behaviour and leadership.
“Those of us wishing to be addressed as ‘His Excellency’ must behave excellently, and, more importantly, the process of attaining public office must be excellent,” he said.
Obi also expressed confidence in the commitment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free, fair and credible elections. He, however, stressed the need for law enforcement agencies to remain neutral and unbiased throughout the electoral process.
“We take very seriously the commitment of INEC to free, fair, and credible elections, as well as the pledge by law enforcement agencies to remain unbiased throughout the electioneering process,” Obi said.
He urged his supporters to remain peaceful and committed to the democratic process, warning against actions capable of undermining peace and stability.
“I call on my supporters to remain firm, determined, and peaceful,” he said.
The signing of the National Peace Accord comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election gather momentum, with political parties and political actors increasingly positioning themselves for what is expected to be a fiercely contested election.
Obi’s message places emphasis on peaceful participation, issue-based campaigns, responsible leadership and credible elections, while setting a clear challenge before presidential contenders to match their ambitions for political office with the conduct expected of those seeking to lead Nigeria.
He concluded by reiterating his message of national renewal, declaring: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”