The presidential candidate of the Action Alliance (AA), Aare Adekunle Rufai Omo-Aje, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure a free, fair and credible 2027 general election.

Omo-Aje made the call after signing the National Peace Accord alongside other presidential candidates and political leaders in Abuja on Tuesday.

The accord, organised by the National Peace Committee, chaired by former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, in collaboration with The Kukah Centre, commits political actors to peaceful and issue-based campaigns ahead of the elections.

In a statement made available to journalists in Kaduna on Wednesday, Omo-Aje said the accord should go beyond a symbolic commitment, urging all political parties and candidates to adhere strictly to its provisions.

He charged INEC to resist political pressure and provide a level playing field for all contestants, regardless of the size or strength of their parties.

“INEC must resist pressure and ensure that the votes of Nigerians count. The Commission should provide a level playing field for all parties, big or small,” he said.

The AA candidate also urged security agencies to remain professional and non-partisan before, during and after the elections, warning against the use of security personnel to intimidate voters or favour political parties.

“Our security agencies must protect lives and property before, during and after the elections. They must not be used to intimidate voters or favour any political party. Professionalism is key to credible elections,” he said.

Omo-Aje called on political parties to focus their campaigns on issues affecting Nigerians and avoid thuggery, hate speech, religious intolerance and ethnic incitement.

He said Nigeria’s democracy could only deepen when state institutions operated independently and political actors placed the welfare of citizens above the pursuit of power.

President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, signed the accord, alongside representatives of several political parties and presidential candidates.

The signing came ahead of the commencement of campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections, amid renewed calls for political actors to ensure peaceful and credible polls.