Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has called on political leaders and their supporters to embrace peaceful, issue-based politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying anyone seeking to be addressed as “His Excellency” must first demonstrate exemplary conduct.
Obi made the remarks after joining other presidential candidates and political stakeholders to sign the first National Peace Accord for the 2027 presidential election in Abuja.
In a statement on Wednesday, the former Anambra State governor said his decision to sign the accord was a reaffirmation of his commitment to ensuring that political candidates conduct themselves in a manner befitting the offices they seek to occupy.
He said leaders must reject violent rhetoric and take responsibility for the behaviour of their supporters, stressing that political ambition should never become a justification for incitement, hatred or violence.
“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,” Obi said.
According to him, the 2027 election should be fundamentally different from elections characterised by personal attacks, ethnic mobilisation, religious division and political violence.
Instead, he said, candidates should focus their campaigns on issues directly affecting the lives of Nigerians.
Obi identified national unity, insecurity, poverty, the growing number of out-of-school children and the restoration of hope among Nigerians as some of the major issues that should dominate political debates ahead of the election.
He argued that Nigerians deserve an election in which political parties and candidates compete on ideas and practical solutions rather than rancour and inflammatory rhetoric.
The NDC candidate also called on his supporters to understand the importance of maintaining peace throughout the electoral process.
“Our supporters must see that we have all committed to free, fair, and credible elections based on issues and devoid of rancour,” he said.
The National Peace Accord, organised by the National Peace Committee in collaboration with The Kukah Centre, seeks to secure commitments from political actors to peaceful campaigns and credible elections.
Obi said he took seriously the commitment made by the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct free, fair and credible elections.
He also welcomed the pledge by law enforcement agencies to remain impartial throughout the electioneering period, stressing that the credibility of the 2027 elections would depend not only on political parties but also on the neutrality of institutions responsible for conducting and securing the polls.
The former governor urged his supporters to remain peaceful, determined and focused as political activities intensify.
“I call on my supporters to remain firm, determined, and peaceful,” he said.
His comments come as political parties and presidential contenders begin positioning themselves for what is expected to be a highly competitive 2027 election.
Obi’s emphasis on issues such as insecurity, poverty and education reflects his longstanding argument that political campaigns should focus on measurable improvements in the living conditions of Nigerians.
The call for peaceful conduct also comes against the backdrop of concerns over political tension, online attacks and inflammatory rhetoric as rival political camps increasingly mobilise supporters ahead of the election.
For Obi, however, the credibility of the political process must begin with the conduct of those seeking public office.
His message is that political leaders cannot demand the respect associated with public office while encouraging or tolerating conduct that undermines the democratic process.
As the 2027 political contest gathers momentum, Obi’s challenge to fellow candidates and their supporters is straightforward: political ambition must be matched by responsibility, restraint and excellence.
“A New Nigeria is POssible,” he concluded.
