The Deputy National Chairman (South) of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Prince Nwaeze Onu, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to sign a separate justice accord ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Onu said political parties and candidates should not be the only actors required to commit themselves to peaceful elections.
In a statement issued in Abuja, he argued that INEC should also make a formal and public commitment to fairness, transparency and impartiality in the conduct of the elections.
According to him, a peace accord without a corresponding commitment to electoral justice could fail to prevent disputes if contestants or voters believe the process was unfair.
He proposed that INEC’s justice accord should be a written undertaking to Nigerians, committing the commission to conducting free, fair, transparent and credible elections.
Onu also suggested that INEC officials assigned to conduct elections should take formal oaths of impartiality before performing their duties.
He said the oaths could be administered according to the officials’ faith, using the Bible or Quran, to reinforce their commitment to fairness.
The NNPP chieftain expressed concern about alleged political interference in the electoral process, warning that attempts to influence INEC could undermine confidence in its constitutional role as an independent electoral body.
He referred to controversies surrounding previous elections, including the 2022 and 2023 electoral cycles, as examples of how allegations against electoral officials can affect public trust.
Onu also cited controversies surrounding the Osun governorship election, alleging that political interference had raised concerns about the neutrality of the electoral process.
He said INEC’s meetings with political actors and assurances of free and fair elections should be supported by clear commitments that Nigerians can use to hold the commission accountable.
The NNPP leader further called for equal treatment of candidates and political parties in matters involving nominations, substitutions and ballot access.
He urged the relevant authorities to investigate complaints of alleged electoral irregularities before major activities for the 2027 elections begin.
Onu also called on the body overseeing the electoral peace process to look beyond ceremonial signing of peace accords and demand concrete safeguards from all key actors.
He said the credibility of the 2027 elections would depend on the conduct of political parties and candidates as well as 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.
Onu therefore urged INEC to publicly commit to electoral justice and fairness before the 2027 elections, saying a credible process would provide a stronger foundation for peace and acceptance of election results.