Nigerian presidential hopefuls sign election peace accord

The National Peace Accord initiative was first introduced during the 2015 election season – following post-election violence in 2011 when hundreds of people were killed

Fred Dzakpata September 30, 2022

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Candidates for next February’s presidential elections in Nigeria have signed an agreement promising to run peaceful campaigns.

They’ve also agreed to respect electoral laws before, during and after the elections to ensure a violence-free process.

In a recorded video message to the signing ceremony in Abuja, outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari urged candidates to run “issue-based campaigns”, shun “personal attacks, insults and incitement” and avoid spreading fake news.

Mr Buhari is serving his second and final term in office and the election will be to choose his successor.

Campaigning for the crucial election in Africa’s largest democracy officially started on Wednesday.

Elections in Nigeria are usually held in a tense atmosphere.

The National Peace Accord initiative was first introduced during the 2015 election season – following post-election violence in 2011 when hundreds of people were killed.