Eniola Yekini
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged political leaders and candidates contesting the 2027 presidential election to conduct themselves with responsibility, restraint and respect for democratic values.
Obi made the call after joining other presidential candidates to sign the first National Peace Accord for the 2027 Presidential Election.
The former Anambra State governor said his decision to sign the accord reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that political candidates conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the offices they seek to occupy.
According to Obi, political leaders must avoid violent rhetoric and ensure their supporters do not engage in inflammatory or violent activities during the electioneering period.
“My signing of the accord is a reinforcement of my continued commitment to insisting that we, as candidates, must conduct ourselves in a way that reflects the office we aspire to,” Obi said.
He stressed that the 2027 elections should focus on issues affecting the lives of Nigerians rather than political rancour and personal attacks.
Obi identified national unity, insecurity, poverty, the growing number of out-of-school children and restoring hope to Nigerians as some of the key issues that should dominate the election campaign.
“The next elections must be strictly based on the issues that matter to Nigerians: unity, insecurity, pulling people out of poverty, reducing the number of out-of-school children, and restoring hope to the long-suffering people of our country,” he said.
He also urged political supporters to respect the commitment made by candidates to pursue free, fair and credible elections based on issues.
“Our supporters must see that we have all committed to free, fair, and credible elections based on issues and devoid of rancour,” Obi added.
He also delivered a message to politicians seeking public office, saying those aspiring to be addressed as “His Excellency” must demonstrate excellent conduct throughout the political process.
“Those of us wishing to be addressed as ‘His Excellency’ must behave excellently, and, more importantly, the process of attaining public office must be excellent,” he said.
Obi further expressed confidence in the commitment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free, fair and credible elections.
He also acknowledged the pledge by law enforcement agencies to remain impartial throughout the electioneering process.
He called on his supporters to remain peaceful and focused as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
“I call on my supporters to remain firm, determined, and peaceful,” Obi said.