NDC Presidential candidate, Peter Obi signing the 2027 peace accord in Abuja on Tuesday. Photo credit: @PeterObi/X
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reaffirmed his commitment to peaceful, issue-based campaigning ahead of the 2027 general election, urging all presidential hopefuls to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the offices they seek.
Obi made the call in a post shared on his official social media platforms on Wednesday, a day after he joined other presidential candidates to sign the first National Peace Accord for the 2027 presidential election.
According to him, appending his signature to the accord underscores his commitment to ensuring that the forthcoming election is conducted peacefully and in line with democratic principles.
“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.
The former Anambra State governor stressed that the 2027 election should focus on addressing the country’s pressing challenges rather than personal attacks or political rancour.
“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 stated.
Obi said the Peace Accord should serve as a public commitment by all contestants to promote free, fair and credible elections, adding that political supporters should also embrace the spirit of peaceful engagement.
“Our supporters must see that we have all committed to free, fair, and credible elections based on issues and devoid of rancour,” he said.
Calling for higher standards of leadership, Obi declared that politicians aspiring to the nation’s highest offices must demonstrate exemplary conduct throughout the electoral process.
“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 added.
The NDC candidate also expressed confidence in the assurances given by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies regarding the conduct of the election.
“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 further appealed to his supporters across the country to remain peaceful and steadfast as political activities gather momentum.
“I call on my supporters to remain firm, determined, and peaceful.”
Obi ended his message with his familiar campaign slogan: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
