Tinubu, Obi others sign peace accord ahead of 2027

Major political parties and presidential contenders have signed the first National Peace Accord ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, pledging to pursue the political contest without undermining national peace and stability.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday at the International Conference Centre in Abuja during an event organised by the National Peace Committee.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the ceremony was the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who signed alongside Nentawe Yilwatda, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Presidential candidates Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC) were also present and signed the accord personally.

Major parties commit to peaceful contest

The ceremony brought together representatives of several 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, among others.

The accord comes as political activity begins gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition parties and the ruling APC already positioning themselves for what is expected to be a fiercely contested presidential race.

At the event, the master of ceremonies described the signing as an affirmation that political parties could disagree fundamentally over how Nigeria should be governed while still recognising a shared responsibility to protect the country.

He said the parties were demonstrating that, despite their differences, “this great nation must move forward in peace and harmony.”

The event's organisers stressed that the document should not become another symbolic political gesture without consequences.

The MC told participants that the exercise was “not a mere ceremony” and not simply about “putting ink on paper.”

Rather, he described it as a substantive commitment by candidates and parties to uphold peaceful political engagement throughout the electoral process.

The signing marks an early attempt to establish a common framework for political conduct as Nigeria approaches another potentially high-stakes election, with parties expected to intensify campaigns, mobilisation and policy battles in the months ahead.

For the signatories, the challenge now moves beyond the ceremony: to ensure that the commitments made in Abuja translate into restraint, responsible campaigning and respect for the democratic process when the political contest becomes more intense.