ADC Explains Atiku’s Absence From 2027 Peace Accord Signing

By Nafiu Muhammad Lema

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has explained why its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, did not attend the signing of the National Peace Accord ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party said its decision to stay away from the ceremony was deliberate and intended to protest what it described as the failure of the National Peace Committee to take meaningful action against electoral violence and inflammatory political statements.

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the position known on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.

Abdullahi argued that political parties had signed similar peace agreements during previous election cycles, but the commitments had not been matched by effective action when violations occurred.

According to him, incidents of violence, harassment and killings have continued despite the repeated signing of peace accords, while the National Peace Committee had allegedly failed to adequately condemn such incidents.

He cited the recent Osun governorship election and remarks attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi as examples of situations where the committee, in the ADC’s view, should have taken a stronger position.

“When Senator Fadahunsi said that they should go out and kill people, we didn’t hear the Peace Committee say anything. So, what is the point? So, it’s our way of saying no,” Abdullahi said.

The ADC spokesman said the party’s action was intended to push the National Peace Committee to move beyond ceremonial events and ensure that politicians are held accountable for conduct capable of triggering violence.

“If we want to be part of this, if you want to be taking us seriously, then you need to up your game,” he said.

Abdullahi also criticised political statements which, according to him, could contribute to a climate of violence, saying political leaders should be challenged when their remarks undermine peaceful elections regardless of their positions.

He maintained that signing a peace accord would only be meaningful if the committee was prepared to monitor compliance and call out individuals or parties that violated its provisions.

Several political leaders and candidates attended the signing ceremony held on Tuesday, ahead of the commencement of campaigns for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.

Former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, signed the accord and called for credible and peaceful elections.

President Bola Tinubu and Atiku were both absent from the ceremony, although Tinubu was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

Akume reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to peaceful elections and rejected electoral violence, hate speech, misinformation and incitement.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, also pledged the commission’s neutrality and urged political parties to make the 2027 campaign a contest of ideas and practical solutions.

Meanwhile, Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and member of the National Peace Committee, Matthew Kukah, urged political leaders to ensure that elections produce tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.

The absence of Tinubu and Atiku from the ceremony has generated debate, with some opposition candidates criticising the decision and questioning the seriousness of the peace process.