By Emma Peter, Abuja
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has explained his decision to stay away from the recent signing of the National Peace Accord ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku spoke on Monday in Abuja when the Council of the Wise of the Savannah Centre for Democracy, Diplomacy and Development, led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, paid him a visit as part of consultations with major political stakeholders ahead of the elections.
The council urged Atiku and other presidential candidates to commit themselves to peaceful, credible and issue-based campaigns throughout the 2027 electioneering period.
The National Peace Accord was signed in Abuja on August 18 by several presidential candidates and political parties. The agreement seeks to promote peaceful campaigns, respect for electoral institutions and responsible political engagement.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was absent from the ceremony and was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. Among the candidates who signed the accord were Peter Obi, Omoyele Sowore and Adewole Adebayo, while Atiku and the ADC were not represented.
Explaining his absence, Atiku said he had participated in similar peace initiatives during previous elections but became concerned that opposition parties were often the ones committing themselves to the process while the ruling party allegedly failed to participate.
The former vice president maintained that the responsibility for delivering peaceful, free and credible elections should extend beyond political parties and candidates, stressing that the government and the three arms of government also have critical roles to play.
Atiku further reflected on his legal battles with former President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007, saying he was able to challenge the administration through the courts without personally meeting or communicating with any judge.
He, however, expressed concern about what he described as changes in the judiciary, arguing that legislation passed by the National Assembly that conflicts with the Constitution is sometimes allowed to remain in force.
The ADC candidate said he was willing to continue engaging with the Council of the Wise but stressed that the 2027 election must be conducted on a level playing field.
He also called on the council to engage political actors frankly and openly, irrespective of whether such engagements were being recorded or covered by the media.
Earlier, Ariwoola congratulated Atiku on his emergence as the ADC presidential candidate and urged him to ensure that his campaign remained free from hate speech, inflammatory rhetoric and actions capable of triggering violence.
The former Chief Justice emphasised the importance of issue-based campaigns and responsible political conduct as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
