Tinubu, Obi, Others Sign Peace Pact as 2027 Presidential Campaign Begins

By Blessing Fali

President Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi and other presidential candidates have signed the 2027 National Peace Accord ahead of the official commencement of campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections.

The agreement, signed in Abuja on Tuesday, commits political parties and candidates to peaceful and issue based campaigns while rejecting violence, hate speech, misinformation, personal attacks and ethnic or religious incitement.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, said public campaigns officially commence today, Wednesday, August 19, 2026. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, urged candidates to focus on policies and solutions to Nigeria’s challenges rather than turning the campaign into a battle of personalities.

The National Peace Committee said the accord was designed to encourage issue based politics and prevent political actors from using inflammatory rhetoric during the electioneering period.

Peter Obi, while signing the agreement, said candidates seeking public office should demonstrate responsible conduct and ensure that their campaigns address the problems facing Nigerians.

The 2027 presidential contest is expected to focus heavily on the economy, insecurity, unemployment, poverty, infrastructure and the credibility of the electoral process.