Jigawa peace accord brings political parties and election stakeholders together ahead of 2027 polls, with police urging tolerance and rejecting electoral violence
Political parties in Jigawa State signed a peace accord on Thursday, September 3, 2026, ahead of the 2027 elections, with the state police command, the Independent National Electoral Commission and other stakeholders pledging to promote peaceful and credible electoral activities.
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The Jigawa peace accord was signed during a strategic meeting convened by the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijjani Murtala, bringing together INEC officials, chairmen and executives of registered political parties and media practitioners.
Murtala urged political actors to embrace collective responsibility, mutual respect and political tolerance as preparations for the 2027 electioneering period gather pace.
The police commissioner said the meeting was designed to encourage peaceful, credible and violence-free political activities across Jigawa State.
He also called on political leaders to caution their supporters against behaviour that could threaten public order or undermine the electoral process.
Among the concerns highlighted were hate speech, inflammatory statements, vote-buying, thuggery, intimidation, destruction of campaign materials and other forms of electoral malpractice.
Murtala assured political parties, candidates, supporters, electoral officials and residents that the police command would provide adequate security and maintain law and order before, during and after the elections.
The INEC delegation, led by Administrative Secretary Ibrahim Idris, also urged political parties and other stakeholders to comply with the commission’s electoral laws, rules and guidelines.
Following the discussions, participating political parties formally signed the accord, committing themselves to peaceful political engagement, respect for democratic values and the rejection of violence throughout the electoral process.
The agreement represents an early attempt by political stakeholders in Jigawa to establish common ground before campaigns intensify and political competition becomes more pronounced.
The police command described the accord as an important demonstration of the collective responsibility of political actors and other stakeholders for preserving peace and security in the state.
The development also reflects a broader concern surrounding electoral violence in Nigeria, where political competition has at times been accompanied by intimidation, inflammatory rhetoric, vote-buying and clashes between rival supporters.
Peace agreements of this nature are intended to establish expectations for political conduct before campaigns and voting take place, although their effectiveness ultimately depends on the willingness of parties, candidates and supporters to respect the commitments made.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, authorities in Jigawa are seeking to frame political competition as a contest over ideas and programmes rather than a confrontation between rival groups.
The police command therefore urged residents to remain peaceful, law-abiding and vigilant throughout the electioneering period.
Political parties and their supporters were similarly encouraged to pursue their ambitions through lawful democratic channels while avoiding actions capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
Also read: Peter Obi Warns: Nigerians’ Votes Must Count in 2027
For Jigawa, the signing of the peace accord offers a positive early signal as preparations for the 2027 elections continue, placing political tolerance and public safety at the centre of the state’s electoral planning.
