By George Omagbemi
Former Anambra State governor and 2027 presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on political parties and candidates to make the forthcoming election campaigns about ideas, policies and solutions to Nigeria’s problems rather than personal attacks and violence.
Obi spoke on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, after signing the National Peace Accord ahead of the 2027 general elections in Abuja. The agreement commits political actors to peaceful and issue-based campaigns while rejecting violence, hate speech, misinformation and personal attacks.
Obi said politicians seeking public office should demonstrate exemplary conduct even before they are elected, arguing that the character and behaviour of candidates should reflect the responsibilities of the offices they seek.
He also expressed concern about electoral violence, saying “nobody needs to die for an election” and urging political actors to conduct themselves responsibly.
Asked about the appropriate punishment for candidates who violate the peace agreement, Obi said voters should reject such politicians at the polls. He also identified the credibility of elections and the need for citizens’ votes to count as his major concern ahead of 2027.
The National Peace Accord was facilitated by the National Peace Committee, chaired by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, in partnership with The Kukah Centre.
The signing came a day before the statutory commencement of public campaigns for the 2027 elections.
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