The Deputy National Chairman (South) of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Prince Nwaeze Onu, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to sign a separate justice accord ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Onu said INEC must make a clear commitment to fairness, transparency and impartiality if Nigerians are to have confidence in the electoral process.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the NNPP chieftain said political parties and candidates should not be the only stakeholders required to sign peace agreements before elections.
He argued that INEC, as the body responsible for conducting elections, should also publicly commit itself to electoral justice.
According to him, a peace accord among political parties could fail if voters and candidates believe that the electoral umpire is not fair.
He proposed that the Justice Accord should be a written and public undertaking by INEC to conduct free, fair, transparent and credible elections.
Onu also urged INEC officials involved in election duties to take formal oaths of fairness and impartiality before performing their responsibilities.
He said the oaths could be administered according to the officials’ faith, using the Bible or Quran, to reinforce their commitment to neutrality.
The NNPP chieftain expressed concern over alleged political interference in the electoral process, warning that attempts to influence INEC could damage public confidence in the commission.
He cited controversies surrounding previous elections, including the 2022 and 2023 electoral cycles, as examples of how allegations against electoral officials could affect trust in election results.
Onu also referred to controversies surrounding the Osun governorship election, alleging that political interference had raised questions about the neutrality of the electoral process.
He said INEC’s meetings with political parties and assurances of free and fair elections should be backed by clear and measurable commitments that Nigerians can hold the commission accountable to.
The NNPP leader further called for equal treatment of candidates and political parties in matters involving nominations, substitutions and access to the ballot.
He urged relevant authorities to investigate complaints of alleged electoral irregularities before the commencement of major activities for the 2027 elections.
Onu also called on the body overseeing the electoral peace process to move beyond ceremonial signing of peace accords and demand concrete safeguards from all key stakeholders.
He said the credibility of the 2027 elections would depend not only on the conduct of political parties and candidates but also on the neutrality, transparency and accountability of INEC.
He warned that if voters lose confidence in the electoral commission, a peace accord signed by political contestants may not be enough to prevent post-election disputes or rejection of results.
Onu therefore insisted that INEC must sign a Justice Accord and publicly commit to fairness before the 2027 elections, saying only a credible electoral process can provide a lasting foundation for peace and acceptance of election results.
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