2027: Our Leaders Must Own Peace Accord

Nigeria’s democracy has walked a tightrope since 1999. But never was it thinner than in 2015, when the contest between President Goodluck Jonathan and his challenger, Muhammadu Buhari, threatened to tip the country into wide-scale violence.

That moment birthed the Peace Accord, mid-wifed by General Abdulsalami Abubakar and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah. That signature, backed by moral authority, is credited with averting what could have been one of Nigeria’s deadliest elections. Since then, signing the Accord has become a constant in our electoral timetable.

Penultimate week, before the window for 2027 electioneering opened on August 19, the ritual was repeated. But this time the optics were troubling. The two leading contenders — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the ADC — did not appear in person. They sent representatives.

We note that the signing has already taken place and it is no longer feasible to recall the principals for a fresh ceremony. But absence at the table does not excuse absence in ownership. Tinubu, Atiku, Peter Obi and all other flag bearers must still personally and publicly own the Accord. They must address their supporters, in clear language, and commit to rein them in. Symbolism matters. When leaders treat peace as an assignment to delegate, their foot soldiers hear that violence is negotiable.

The risk is real. The build-up to 2027 may not yet match the fever of 2015, but the warning signs are here. Take Osun. The governorship election ended to national applause, yet it still recorded over 60 deaths. Many believe the toll would have been higher but for the Peace Accord. If the Accord saved lives there, then weakening it now is dangerous.

The purpose has always been that candidates and parties must reject hate speech, shun thuggery, and accept outcomes within the law. It is not a legal instrument, but a moral contract with Nigerians.

So what must be done to stave off violence before, during and after 2027?

First, those aspiring to lead the country in 2027 must own the Accord publicly. Since a new signing is not practical, the NPC should convene the presidential candidates for a televised joint commitment within 30 days. Let each leader, on camera, pledge specific actions: no incitement, no use of thugs, no rejection of results outside the courts. And we suggest that that video should be played at every campaign rally.

Second is to enforce consequences. The Accord must move beyond rhetoric. INEC, the police and the National Orientation Agency, working with the NPC, should maintain a public register of violations. Parties and candidates found deploying thugs or using divisive language should face sanctions, including loss of media access and, where the law permits, referral for prosecution.

Third, the process should be secured with what we have now. Campaigns have begun, so debates about new structures like state police, while important, cannot deliver before January. We, therefore, suggest immediate joint security planning by INEC, the police, DSS and civil defence for all 36 states and the FCT. Hotspots shoukd be identified from past elections — including Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, Rivers and parts of the South-East — should get priority deployment and early warning desks now.

Fourth is to cut the economics of violence. Thuggery thrives on poverty. With 80% of Nigerians saying the country is headed in the wrong direction, desperation is high. Federal and state governments must roll out targeted palliative, invluding public works and youth engagement in violence-prone areas between now and the polls.

And finally, citizens must guard the peace. Traditional rulers, religious leaders, the media and civil society must monitor, report, and call out. Platforms must take down disinformation that incites ethnic and religious hate. Voters must reject candidates who preach division.

The Peace Accord saved us in 2015. It helped in Osun. But it must be realised that paper does not stop bullets. People do.

Nigerians need a covenant owned in public, backed by action, and enforced without fear or favour. We do not need another photo-op.

The 60 lives lost in Osun are reminder enough that peace is not automatic; it is built, defended, and chosen. Our leaders must choose it now, before the campaign trail becomes a battleground.