AA's Omo-Aje Pushes INEC, Security for Impartial 2027 General Elections

The presidential flagbearer for the Action Alliance (AA), Adekunle Omo-Aje, has called on political organizations, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and various security outfits to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming 2027 general elections. Omo-Aje’s appeal came after he participated in the signing of the National Peace Accord, alongside other presidential aspirants and party executives, in Abuja on Tuesday.

In a statement distributed to journalists in Kaduna on Wednesday, the AA candidate characterized the peace pact as a directive to all political players and governmental bodies to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process. He pressed all involved parties to strictly adhere to the agreement’s stipulations, advocating for campaigns free from violence, hate speech, and any form of religious or ethnic division.

Omo-Aje emphasized the critical role of the electoral body, stating, “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 further implored security agencies to maintain their professionalism and neutrality throughout the pre-election, election, and post-election phases.

He stressed, “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.” Omo-Aje articulated that Nigeria's democratic system would only strengthen if state institutions were allowed to operate without interference and if political figures prioritized citizens' well-being over the pursuit of power.

The presidential hopeful also advised the political class to concentrate their campaign efforts on substantive issues affecting Nigerians, rather than resorting to divisive rhetoric that could fracture the nation. The PUNCH reported that the National Peace Committee, under the leadership of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, in collaboration with The Kukah Centre, organized this accord. The agreement binds political participants to conduct peaceful and issue-driven campaigns leading up to the elections.

The signing ceremony took place at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, just a day before the official commencement of campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections. This initiative aims to prevent political rivalries and contests from escalating into violence before, during, and after elections, especially in a country with a documented history of electoral conflicts and tensions.

President Bola Tinubu, whose representation was handled by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, was among those who endorsed the accord. The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, also affixed his signature on behalf of the ruling party. Other prominent signatories included the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, along with representatives from the Labour Party, African Democratic Congress (ADC), Democratic Leadership Alliance, National Democratic Party, National Rescue Movement, Youth Party, Young Progressives Party, and Zenith Labour Party. Notably, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, was absent from the event.

Campaign activities for the presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and State House of Assembly elections are slated to officially begin nationwide on Wednesday. This marks the period when political parties will embark on conveying their messages to voters across Nigeria's 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.