The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), on Tuesday urged political parties and candidates contesting the 2027 General Election to strictly adhere to the National Peace Accord, warning that the credibility of the polls will depend as much on the conduct of political actors as on the electoral management body.
Speaking at the signing of the First National Peace Accord in Abuja, Amupitan said the agreement provides an ethical framework for political engagement as campaigns for the 2027 elections commence on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
He said the Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.
Describing the accord as a critical milestone in the electoral process, the INEC Chairman said political leaders must demonstrate commitment to issue-based campaigns and avoid actions capable of undermining national unity and democratic stability.
“Before the first campaign flag is unfurled, before the first rally is staged, and before political rhetoric fills our public space, it is necessary that those who seek to lead this nation first gather to establish the ethical boundaries of their contest,” he said.
Amupitan urged candidates to focus on policies, programmes and solutions to the country’s challenges rather than character assassination, identity politics and inflammatory rhetoric.
According to him, the true test of the accord lies not in the signatures appended to the document but in the willingness of political leaders to ensure compliance among their supporters and campaign organisations.
“It is not the signatures written on this Accord today that preserve democracy; it is the character of the leaders who hold the pen,” he stated.
The INEC Chairman also cautioned against incitement, the use of private armed groups and the spread of digital disinformation, warning that such practices could erode public confidence in the electoral process long before voting begins.
He called on party leaders and presidential candidates to extend the principles of the accord to state chapters, local government officials, ward executives and grassroots supporters.
Amupitan further assured Nigerians of the Commission’s commitment to conducting transparent and credible elections, saying additional measures would be introduced to strengthen the result-management process and ensure that the votes cast by citizens are accurately reflected in the final outcome.
Earlier, Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, represented by Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), disclosed that the committee has facilitated 30 peace accords since 2015.
He said five of the accords were signed at the national level ahead of the 2015, 2019 and 2023 general elections, while 25 were concluded at the sub-national level, particularly in states conducting off-cycle elections.
Agwai noted that the committee had also established independent peace structures in 23 states to complement its national peacebuilding efforts.
He explained that the issue-based campaign provision was introduced into the accord in 2019 to encourage political parties and candidates to focus on ideas, policies and programmes instead of personal attacks and divisive narratives.
The retired military officer urged political actors to engage in fair competition, conduct respectful debates, mobilise supporters peacefully and respect electoral institutions.
He also warned against hate speech, misinformation and other forms of rhetoric capable of inciting violence and voter intimidation.
Representing the Inspector-General of Police, DIG Umar Shehu Nadada assured Nigerians that the Nigeria Police Force would remain professional, neutral and committed to providing adequate security throughout the electoral process.
Nadada said the police would continue to work with INEC, the military, intelligence agencies and other security organisations to ensure a peaceful environment for campaigns and elections.
He, however, stressed that security agencies alone could not guarantee peaceful polls, urging political leaders to take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters.
“You cannot publicly preach peace while actively encouraging violence. You cannot call for a credible election whilst simultaneously undermining the institutions responsible for conducting them,” he warned.
Nadada also appealed to politicians to desist from using young people as tools of political violence and instead empower them to play constructive roles in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
The signing of the First National Peace Accord formally marks the beginning of a crucial phase in preparations for the 2027 General Election, with stakeholders expressing hope that adherence to its provisions will promote peaceful campaigns and credible elections.