Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has joined other presidential candidates in signing the first National Peace Accord ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Obi said his decision to sign the accord reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that political campaigns and the electoral process are conducted peacefully and responsibly.
In a statement following the signing, the former Anambra State governor urged presidential candidates to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and ensure their supporters also conduct themselves peacefully.
He said the 2027 election should focus on issues affecting Nigerians, including national unity, insecurity, poverty, the rising number of out-of-school children and the need to restore hope to citizens.
According to Obi, political leaders seeking public office must demonstrate the qualities expected of the offices they aspire to occupy.
“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 urged political supporters to recognise the commitment made by candidates to pursue free, fair and credible elections based on issues rather than rancour or violence.
He expressed confidence in the commitment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct credible elections and called on law enforcement agencies to remain neutral throughout the electioneering process.
The Labour Party chieftain further appealed to his supporters to remain peaceful, firm and determined as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said political leaders had a responsibility to rein in their followers and ensure that the electoral contest does not degenerate into violence or division.
