Nineteen political parties in Kogi State have signed a peace accord ahead of the 2027 general elections, pledging to conduct peaceful campaigns and uphold electoral integrity. The agreement was signed during an engagement by the Inter-Consultative Committee on Election Security at the Kogi State Police Command Headquarters in Lokoja on Tuesday. Representatives from major parties including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and Action Alliance (AA) were present. The accord aims to ensure a calm and credible electoral environment across the state.
Under the terms of the peace pact, all participating parties committed to basing their campaigns on policies, manifestos, and development-focused programmes that address the needs of Kogi’s people. They agreed to reject hate speech, ethnic or religious divisions, personal attacks, inflammatory rhetoric, and any form of incitement that could threaten public peace. The parties also vowed not to sponsor or mobilise individuals or groups for violence, intimidation, threats, or disruption of political activities during the election period.
The signatories pledged to respect the independence and lawful functions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other institutions responsible for managing and securing elections. They promised full cooperation with electoral and security authorities, while exercising restraint in speeches, broadcasts, and social media communications. The accord specifically prohibits the deliberate spread of false information, threatening messages, or content that could provoke violence or erode public trust in the electoral process.
Each party committed to ensuring its supporters and campaign teams conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral cycle. They also affirmed the right of rival parties and candidates to campaign freely without obstruction, harassment, or unlawful interference. The parties further pledged to protect the voting rights of eligible citizens, ensuring no voter is intimidated, coerced, harassed, or discriminated against based on their choice.
In the aftermath of the polls, the parties agreed to respect lawful procedures for result announcement and declaration. Any candidate or party dissatisfied with election outcomes must pursue redress through legal and constitutional channels, not through violence or self-help. The commitment extends beyond results day, with all actors expected to discourage retaliation, reprisal attacks, property destruction, or other forms of post-election violence.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by officials from the Kogi State Police Command, INEC, other security agencies, civil society organisations, election observer groups, and religious leaders. These stakeholders urged all political actors to uphold the spirit of the accord for peaceful and credible elections in 2027. This collective effort marks a significant step toward democratic stability in Kogi State as preparations for the next general elections begin.
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