The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election Mr Peter Obi has urged politicians seeking elective offices to demonstrate exemplary conduct, stressing that those aspiring to be addressed as “His Excellency” must first “behave excellently.”
The candidate made the remarks after joining other presidential candidates to sign what he described as the first National Peace Accord for the 2027 presidential election.
According to him, his decision to sign the accord reinforces his commitment to peaceful and issue-based politics, while urging all presidential candidates to conduct themselves in a manner befitting the offices they seek.
He called on political leaders to reject violent rhetoric and ensure that their supporters equally refrain from inflammatory statements and actions capable of threatening the peace and stability of the country.
He said the 2027 election should focus squarely on issues affecting the daily lives of citizens, rather than rancour and personal attacks.
He identified national unity, insecurity, poverty, the rising number of out-of-school children and the restoration of hope among citizens as some of the critical issues that should dominate the presidential campaign.
“The next elections must be strictly based on the issues that matter to our people,” the NDC flagbearer stated, emphasizing the need for candidates to present practical solutions to the country’s challenges.
The candidate also urged supporters of the various political parties and candidates to recognize that the signing of the peace accord represents a collective commitment to peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.
He further stressed the importance of ensuring that the process leading to the emergence of public office holders is itself credible.
“Those of us wishing to be addressed as ‘His Excellency’ must behave excellently, and, more importantly, the process of attaining public office must be excellent,” he said.
He also expressed confidence in the commitment of the Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free, fair and credible elections, while calling attention to the need for law enforcement agencies to remain neutral throughout the electioneering period.
He urged security agencies to discharge their responsibilities without bias and provide a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.
The presidential candidate subsequently appealed to his supporters to remain peaceful, determined and steadfast as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
“Remain firm, determined, and peaceful,” he told his supporters. He concluded his message with his recurring campaign declaration: “A New Nigeria is Possible.”
