The Deputy National Chairman, South, of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Prince Nwaeze Onu, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to sign a separate “Justice Accord” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Onu, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, warned that a peace agreement without a corresponding commitment to fairness by the electoral umpire would lack credibility and could collapse under distrust.
He argued that it was a credibility gap for candidates and political parties to pledge peaceful conduct while the institution conducting the election was not bound by a formal commitment to justice.
“INEC must take oath of fairness”
The NNPP chieftain proposed that INEC should make a written and public commitment to Nigerians to conduct free, fair and credible elections.
He also suggested that electoral officials take formal oaths of fairness and impartiality with the Bible or Quran, depending on their faith, to strengthen public confidence and make them conscious of the consequences of violations.
“Peace without justice will remain fragile,” Onu said. “Allegations of bias against the electoral umpire could fuel post-election violence, rejection of results and prolonged political crises.”
Onu cited the 2022 and 2023 elections as examples where allegations against electoral officials undermined confidence in outcomes. He also raised concerns over alleged political interference in INEC, referencing controversies around the Osun governorship election which he said had deepened public suspicion about the commission’s neutrality.
He faulted INEC’s occasional meetings and assurances to political actors, saying they were insufficient without concrete, written commitments that Nigerians could hold the commission accountable to.
The NNPP leader further questioned the commission’s handling of issues relating to nomination, substitution and ballot access, insisting that every eligible candidate must receive equal treatment under the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.
He urged the National Peace Committee not to limit its intervention to signing ceremonies, but to scrutinise INEC’s activities and demand safeguards against violations capable of undermining the 2027 elections.
“The credibility of the 2027 elections will depend not only on the behaviour of candidates and parties, but also on the neutrality, transparency and accountability of the electoral umpire,” he said.
Onu demanded that INEC publicly commit to justice and fairness before the polls, arguing that only a credible process could guarantee acceptance of results and lasting peace.