The Action Alliance presidential candidate, Adekunle Omo-Aje, has called on political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to protect the integrity of the 2027 general elections.
Omo-Aje made the call after signing the National Peace Accord alongside other presidential candidates and political party leaders at the International Conference Centre in Abuja on Tuesday. In a statement issued in Kaduna on Wednesday, he described the accord as a collective commitment by political actors and institutions to safeguard the credibility of the electoral process.
The presidential candidate urged political parties to adhere strictly to the terms of the agreement and conduct peaceful, issue-based campaigns free from thuggery, hate speech, ethnic division and religious incitement.
He also charged INEC to remain independent and resist pressure from political interests, stressing that the commission must provide a level playing field for all political parties and ensure that the votes of Nigerians count.
Omo-Aje further called on security agencies to maintain professionalism and neutrality before, during and after the elections. He said security operatives must protect lives and property without being used to intimidate voters or favour any political party.
According to him, Nigeria’s democracy can only grow stronger when public institutions are allowed to operate independently and political leaders place national interest and the welfare of citizens above the pursuit of political power.
The National Peace Accord was organised by the National Peace Committee, chaired by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, in collaboration with The Kukah Centre. The initiative commits political parties and candidates to peaceful and issue-based campaigns and seeks to prevent political competition from escalating into violence.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, signed the accord, while the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, signed on behalf of the ruling party.
Other signatories included Social Democratic Party presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, and representatives of the Labour Party, African Democratic Congress, Democratic Leadership Alliance, National Democratic Party, National Rescue Movement, Youth Party, Young Progressives Party and Zenith Labour Party. The ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, was absent from the signing ceremony.
The accord comes ahead of the commencement of campaigns for the 2027 general elections, with political parties expected to begin canvassing for votes nationwide.
