The National Peace Committee, led by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has issued a warning to President Bola Tinubu, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and other politicians against inflammatory and inciting campaigns as the 2027 general elections approach. The committee expressed concern over the growing number of election-related incidents recorded across the country. In a statement, it called on politicians to refrain from communications that could inflame tensions and to comply with commitments contained in the Accord.
The committee documented 60 cases of election-related incidents within one month, including political violence, intimidation, threats, attacks on political activities, and misinformation. It urged politicians to verify information before publishing or circulating it and to prevent their supporters from engaging in unlawful conduct, intimidation, or disruption of political activities. The committee also stressed the need for every candidate to be allowed to campaign peacefully and for citizens to make their political choices without intimidation or coercion.
The National Peace Committee further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to strengthen its monitoring of political campaigns and ensure compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and other applicable regulations. The committee said breaches identified by the electoral commission should attract regulatory action, while suspected criminal violations should be referred to law-enforcement agencies. It emphasized the importance of preventing false, inflammatory, or inciting communication and upholding the commitments of the Accord.
Meanwhile, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Lagos State, has clarified that he has no disagreement with Peter Obi despite political differences between Obi and his presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Rhodes-Vivour stated that his primary concern remained Lagos State and reaffirmed his commitment to the ADC and Atiku's candidacy. He noted that his political journey had previously brought him into alignment with both Atiku and Obi.
Rhodes-Vivour recalled that during his first Senate run, Atiku Abubakar was the presidential candidate, and Peter Obi was his vice president. In the following election cycle, both Atiku and Obi contested the presidency separately. Rhodes-Vivour emphasized that his current membership in the ADC meant Atiku was his presidential candidate, and he would work towards the party's success.
The ADC candidate urged Nigerians to vote according to their convictions and ensure that their votes counted. He also rejected the description of Lagos as a no-man's land, saying the claim was offensive to him and his ancestry. Rhodes-Vivour questioned the basis for the description, particularly in relation to land ownership and transactions in the state.
The National Peace Committee's warning comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections. The committee's efforts aim to promote peaceful and fair elections. Key stakeholders, including politicians and citizens, are expected to adhere to the committee's guidelines to ensure a smooth electoral process.
Key points
- The National Peace Committee warns politicians against inflammatory campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.
- The committee documents 60 cases of election-related incidents within one month.
- Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour clarifies his stance on Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar.
