Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for a peaceful, credible and issue-driven campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging politicians to demonstrate the character and responsibility expected of those seeking public office.
Obi made the appeal on Tuesday in Abuja during the National Peace Accord signing ceremony, organised by the National Peace Committee in partnership with The Kukah Centre. The event comes as political parties and presidential contenders begin positioning themselves for what is expected to be a highly competitive 2027 election.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, the former Anambra State governor expressed concern over the loss of lives associated with Nigeria’s electoral contests, stressing that no political ambition should be allowed to cost a Nigerian citizen his or her life.
He argued that responsible political conduct should not depend on the signing of a peace accord. In his view, candidates seeking the country’s highest offices should naturally understand the importance of restraint, tolerance and respect for democratic principles.
Obi also called on political actors to make the 2027 campaign a contest of ideas rather than personalities, inflammatory rhetoric or intimidation. He maintained that the behaviour of politicians before, during and after elections must reflect the dignity of the offices they seek to occupy.
His remarks come amid renewed national debate over the credibility and conduct of Nigeria’s electoral process, with political parties already intensifying their mobilisation ahead of the 2027 polls. Obi has repeatedly urged politicians to focus public debate on issues such as insecurity, poverty, unemployment, education, healthcare and economic hardship rather than personal attacks.
The former governor further challenged Nigerians to scrutinise the character and conduct of candidates before giving them their votes, warning against politicians who resort to violence, intimidation or divisive rhetoric in pursuit of power.
Obi’s call for peaceful politics also fits with his broader emphasis on national unity and dialogue. In recent engagements, he has argued that political leaders should prioritise reconciliation, inclusion and solutions to Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
With the 2027 presidential race expected to generate intense political competition, the peace accord is aimed at encouraging candidates and their supporters to commit themselves to non-violence and responsible political engagement.
For Obi, however, the real test will go beyond signing documents. The conduct of political leaders and their supporters throughout the electoral cycle will determine whether Nigeria can deliver an election in which competition is fierce, but peaceful; disagreements are sharp, but respectful; and political ambition never comes at the cost of human life.
