Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has urged politicians seeking elective positions in the 2027 general elections to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the offices they seek.
Obi made the call in a statement posted on his official X account on Wednesday, a day after he joined other presidential candidates to sign the first National Peace Accord for the 2027 presidential election.
The former governor said his decision to sign the accord was a reaffirmation of his commitment to peaceful and issue-based politics ahead of the election.
“My signing of the accord is a reinforcement of my continued commitment to insisting that we, as candidates, must conduct ourselves in a way that reflects the office we aspire to,” Obi said.
He stressed the need for political leaders to avoid inflammatory statements and take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters.
“Leaders must eschew all forms of violent rhetoric and rein in their followers to do the same,” he said.
Obi said the 2027 election should focus on issues affecting the lives of Nigerians rather than political attacks and rancour.
According to him, the key issues should include national unity, insecurity, poverty, the growing number of out-of-school children and the need to restore hope to Nigerians.
He also called on supporters of the various presidential candidates to respect the commitment made by the candidates to peaceful, free and credible elections.
“Those of us wishing to be addressed as ‘His Excellency’ must behave excellently, and, more importantly, the process of attaining public office must be excellent,” Obi said.
He further expressed confidence in the commitment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a free, fair and credible election, while urging law enforcement agencies to remain impartial throughout the electioneering period.
Obi also appealed to his supporters to remain peaceful as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gather momentum.
“I call on my supporters to remain firm, determined, and peaceful,” he said.