…Says nobody should die for election
Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.(NDC) has urged politicians contesting the 2027 elections to commit themselves to peaceful, issue-based campaigns, saying Nigerians should punish candidates who violate the National Peace Accord by voting them out.
Obi spoke on Tuesday in Abuja shortly before the National Peace Accord signing ceremony organised by the National Peace Committee in partnership with The Kukah Centre.
His demands came as political parties and presidential contenders intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with the economy, insecurity, unemployment, cost of living and electoral credibility expected to dominate campaign debates.
Obi’s position also puts renewed emphasis on the role of voters in enforcing political accountability, indicating that beyond agreements signed by candidates, Nigerians possess the ultimate power to sanction politicians whose conduct falls short of the standards expected in a democratic society
The former Anambra State governor said politicians seeking public office should not require a peace accord before conducting themselves responsibly, stressing that their behaviour must reflect the dignity of the offices they seek.
Read also: Tinubu absent as 19 presidential candidates sign Peace Accord
“We must have 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.
He questioned the need for candidates aspiring to the highest political offices to be reminded to behave responsibly, arguing that those seeking to be addressed as “His Excellency” must first demonstrate excellence through 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 to answer ‘Excellency’ should be excellent, and the only way to do it is to conduct yourself properly,” he said.
On the punishment for candidates or political parties that violate the peace agreement, Obi placed the responsibility squarely on voters, saying the ballot should be used to hold politicians accountable. “Well, the punishment is that Nigerians should not vote for them,” he said.
‘Nobody should die for election’
Obi also called for proper remembrance and commemoration of Nigerians who lost their lives during the recent Osun State governorship election, saying electoral contests must never become a justification for the loss of lives.
He urged political actors to visit the families of victims, condole with them and ensure that future elections are conducted without violence.
“Let us not forget those who died in ensuring that the election in Osun was achieved, the way it went. We should visit them, condole 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 happen again,” he said.
On whether he remained confident in Nigeria’s electoral process despite its challenges, Obi said his desire to change the system was a reason to participate in the election.
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