Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman Joash Amupitan has urged political parties and candidates contesting the 2027 general elections to uphold the commitments contained in the National Peace Accord, warning that the credibility of the polls depends not only on INEC but also on the conduct of political actors.
Amupitan spoke Tuesday in Abuja at the signing of the first National Peace Accord by political parties and candidates ahead of the elections.
He said Wednesday, August 19, marks the commencement of public campaigns and rallies for the 2027 elections.
The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and state House of Assembly elections will hold February 6, 2027, according to the INEC chairman.
Amupitan described the signing of the accord as a critical milestone, saying the country was five months away from the 2027 general elections.
“Before the first campaign flag is unfurled, before the first rally is staged, and before political rhetoric fills our public space, it is necessary that those who seek to lead this nation first gather to establish the ethical boundaries of their contest,” he said.
The INEC chairman said the accord represents a commitment to issue-based campaigns and urged political actors to avoid character assassination, identity manipulation and inflammatory rhetoric.
“By signing this Accord, you are committing to an issue-based campaign,” Amupitan said, stressing that Nigeria's challenges and opportunities should not be overshadowed by bitterness and divisive politics.
He warned that the accord would have little meaning if political leaders failed to ensure that its provisions were respected by their supporters and campaign structures.
“It is not the signatures written on this Accord today that preserve democracy; it is the character of the leaders who hold the pen,” he said.
Amupitan urged presidential candidates and party leaders to extend the obligations of the accord to their state supporters, local government executives, ward canvassers and grassroots supporters.
He also warned against incitement, the use of private armed groups and digital disinformation, saying such practices could undermine the electoral process long before Election Day.
The National Peace Accord is intended to promote peaceful political competition and encourage parties and candidates to resolve disputes through lawful and democratic means throughout the electoral process.
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