The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Adewole Adebayo, has questioned the effectiveness of the National Peace Accord ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that such agreements would have little impact without justice, accountability and respect for democratic principles.
Adebayo spoke with journalists on Tuesday at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, shortly after political parties and their candidates signed the peace accord ahead of the elections.
The event was organised by the National Peace Committee in partnership with the Kukah Centre to encourage peaceful, issue-based campaigns and responsible conduct among political actors.
However, Adebayo expressed doubts about the ability of the agreement to prevent electoral violence, arguing that similar accords had been violated during previous elections without meaningful consequences.
“There cannot be anything like peace. How do you expect justice to be done by those who violate the rules?” he queried.
The SDP candidate maintained that signing agreements alone could not guarantee peaceful elections, stressing that the government had a greater responsibility to create an environment where democratic institutions function effectively.
According to him, adherence to the Constitution and the independence of key institutions would provide a stronger foundation for credible elections than repeated peace agreements between political actors.
Adebayo specifically mentioned the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies, saying their impartiality and effectiveness were essential to ensuring peaceful and credible elections.
“If the President can keep to his oath of office and govern the country according to the law, and make sure that all enforcement agencies, INEC, and all the organisations and institutions of government play their role, there will be no need for signing this,” he said.
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He also questioned whether the recently concluded Osun State governorship election demonstrated significant progress in Nigeria’s electoral system.
The SDP candidate referenced reports of deaths recorded during the election, arguing that such incidents raised concerns about the effectiveness of the country’s existing electoral safeguards.
Adebayo also criticised the deployment of about 30 commissioners of police to Osun State during the governorship election.
He questioned the rationale for what he described as a heavy security presence when incidents of violence were still reported during the poll.
The presidential candidate argued that Nigeria should move towards building a political system in which institutions operate independently and effectively rather than relying on political candidates to sign agreements before every election.
He maintained that genuine electoral peace would be better achieved through justice, accountability, respect for the Constitution and credible institutions.
Adebayo’s comments come as political parties begin preparations for the 2027 general elections, with concerns over electoral violence, institutional independence and the credibility of the electoral process remaining central to discussions among political stakeholders.