A “peace” agreement was signed by three prominent contenders for president of Nigeria in 2023 in order to reduce tensions during the campaign. The flag-bearer for the ruling party, however, was not there.
In Africa’s most populous nation, previous presidential elections have been marked by bloodshed, fraud, legal problems, and an uptick in ethnic tensions.
President Muhammadu Buhari is stepping down after two terms, and a tight competition has arisen for his replacement. Nigeria’s economy is failing, and insecurity will be a big concern for his replacement.
The National Peace Committee, a group of religious, traditional, and opinion leaders, organized the agreement, which urged candidates to concentrate on ideas rather than incitement.
“Commitment to a peaceful and issue-based electioneering campaign should resonate beyond” presidential candidates, INEC election commission chairman Mahmood Yakubu said in a statement.
“It is not enough to simply sign the peace accord. What is more important is to abide by its letter and spirit.”
Atiku Abubakar of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi of the Labour Party, and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigerian Peoples Party all signed the contract at the Abuja ceremony.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the former governor of Lagos and candidate for the All Progressive Congress (APC), was not present for the signing, but his vice presidential running mate was.
There are a total of 18 presidential candidates, one of whom is a woman.
The APC delayed its official beginning, claiming it needed more time to incorporate more “stakeholders,” although campaigning for the February 25 election and the senate and congressional ballots actually began on Wednesday.
During the five-month campaign, the situation of Africa’s greatest economy, widespread insecurity, and possibilities for young Nigerians will be among the key concerns.
As third-party candidate Obi challenges the conventional dominance of the ruling APC and the main opposition PDP, analysts predict a close election.
