The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Adewole Adebayo, has questioned the effectiveness of the National Peace Accord ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said such agreements would have little impact without justice, accountability and respect for democratic principles.
Adebayo spoke with journalists on Tuesday at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, where political parties and candidates signed the peace accord ahead of the elections.
The event was organised by the National Peace Committee, in partnership with the Kukah Centre, to promote peaceful and issue-based campaigns among political actors.
Adebayo, however, argued that similar agreements had been violated during previous elections without consequences, raising doubts about their ability to prevent electoral violence.
“There cannot be anything like peace. How do you expect justice to be done by those who violate the rules?” He queried.
The SDP candidate said the government had a major responsibility to create an environment conducive to peaceful elections, arguing that properly functioning institutions would reduce the need for political actors to rely on peace agreements.
He said adherence to the Constitution, coupled with the independence of institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security agencies, would provide a stronger foundation for credible elections.
“If the President can keep to his oath of office and govern the country according to the law, and make sure that all enforcement agencies, INEC, and all the organisations and institutions of government play their role, there will be no need for signing this,” Adebayo said.
He also questioned whether the recently concluded Osun State governorship election represented an improvement in Nigeria’s electoral process, citing reports of deaths during the poll.
Adebayo further criticised the deployment of about 30 commissioners of police to Osun State during the election, arguing that the heavy security presence did not prevent the incidents recorded.
He maintained that Nigeria needed to develop a political system where institutions function effectively and independently, rather than relying on candidates to sign agreements before every election.
2027: ‘Peace Accord meaningless without justice, accountability’ — Adebayo