Obi demands credible 2027 polls, urges Nigerians to reject violent politicians

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Mr Peter Obi, has called for a peaceful and issue-based campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying politicians seeking public office must conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the positions they aspire to occupy.

Obi made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the National Peace Accord signing ceremony organised by the National Peace Committee in partnership with The Kukah Centre.

Addressing journalists shortly before the commencement of the ceremony, Obi expressed concern over election-related deaths and urged Nigerians to ensure that no citizen dies because of an electoral contest.

He stated that candidates need not to be compelled by a peace accord to behave responsibly, arguing that those seeking the highest political offices should set an example through their conduct.

“We have a peaceful, issue-based campaign. We must, for the sake of this country, ensure that our conduct reflects the office we’re seeking, our behaviour. We must do the right thing and campaign on issues that Nigerians are going through today,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor said the conduct of politicians before, during and after elections should reflect the dignity of the offices they seek. According to him, political leaders cannot demand to be addressed as “His Excellency” while failing to demonstrate excellence in their conduct.

“We don’t even need to sign this. We’re seeking an office where we should be exemplary. You can’t answer ‘His Excellency’ without being an excellent person. So that process that will make you answer ‘Excellency’ should be excellent, and the only way to do it is to conduct yourself properly,” he said.

Obi also called for remembrance and proper commemoration of those who lost their lives during the recent Osun State governorship election, saying election-related violence must not become an accepted feature of Nigeria’s democracy.

He said he had earlier called for visits to the families of those who died and urged political actors to remain prayerful and conduct themselves in a manner that would prevent future loss of lives during elections.

“Let us not forget those who died in ensuring that the election in Osun was achieved, the way it went. We should visit them, console their families, remain prayerful and conduct ourselves in a way that in our democracy, nobody needs to die for an election. It is painful, and I wish it never happens again,” he added.

On whether he still believed in Nigeria’s electoral process despite the challenges surrounding elections, Obi said his determination to change the system was itself a reason to participate in it. “Because I want to change the process, I have to go through it, so I have to believe in it,” he said.

He also responded to calls for the introduction of a “justice accord” that would provide sanctions for candidates or parties that violate the commitments contained in the peace agreement. He said the name given to the agreement was less important than the personal conduct of candidates, stressing that politicians must consistently demonstrate the values expected of public office holders.

“Well, whatever it is, whether we call it justice accord or we call it peace accord, personal conduct of the candidate must reflect the office he’s seeking. Behaviour, expression, anytime, must reflect that office,” he said.

Asked about his greatest concern ahead of the 2027 election, Obi said his primary demand was for an electoral process in which Nigerians would be able to freely determine their leaders through their votes. I don’t have any fear, except to say that please, for the sake of the children of Nigeria, can we have an election where people’s vote will count?” he asked.

Obi further said the ultimate sanction for politicians who violate electoral commitments should come from voters at the ballot box.

Asked what punishment should be imposed on a party or candidate who violates the peace accord, he replied: “Well, the punishment is that Nigerians should not vote for them.”

Obi’s comments come as political parties and prospective presidential contenders intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections. The election is expected to be closely contested, with issues including the economy, insecurity, unemployment, cost of living and the credibility of the electoral process likely to feature prominently in campaigns.

The emphasis on peaceful and issue-based campaigns also comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s history of election-related violence, allegations of electoral malpractice and the loss of lives during political contests.

Obi’s remarks place the responsibility for a peaceful 2027 election not only on electoral authorities and security agencies but also on candidates and political parties, while urging voters to hold politicians accountable through their ballots.