Zamfara police, 22 parties sign peace accord ahead of 2027 elections

Candidates from 22 political parties in Zamfara have signed a peace accord promising a violence-free campaign and election in 2027, at an event the state police command held in Gusau on Tuesday.

The signing took place at the Tola Arena, according to Leadership, and brought together party leaders, candidates, security agencies and other stakeholders. Tribune, citing the News Agency of Nigeria, reported that Governor Dauda Lawan was among those who signed.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ahmad Muhammad Bello, said the summit followed a directive from the Inspector General of Police to ensure a peaceful and credible process. He warned that the command would act firmly against anyone inciting violence, buying votes, engaging in thuggery or destroying opponents' campaign materials.

"Zamfara is the most troubled state in the North West and we cannot afford to add electoral violence to banditry," Bello said, adding that tactical teams had been deployed across the 14 local government areas and intelligence gathering stepped up.

What the police and INEC told parties

Bello said the accord is binding and that breaking it could lead to prosecution under the Electoral Act 2022. He walked participants through parts of the law, including the ban on canvassing, displaying party symbols or wearing party colours within 300 metres of a polling unit on election day.

He also warned against unofficial announcement of results, stressing that only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) can declare results. According to Tribune, he said recording devices hidden in wristwatches, eyeglasses and buttons, as well as surveillance cameras at polling points, could be used to gather evidence against offenders.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Zamfara, Mahmud Isah, called on parties and candidates to embrace tolerance and follow the constitution, the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines. He said credible elections depend not only on INEC but also on the conduct of parties, candidates, security agencies, the media and voters.

The state PDP chairman asked the police to stay neutral and give all parties a level playing field. Representatives of the Labour Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, National Democratic Congress and African Democratic Congress also signed and promised to sensitise supporters in rural areas, including volatile routes such as Gusau-Dansadau, Kaura Namoda, Bukkuyum and Maradun.

What happens next

The police said copies of the signed accord will be displayed at the state headquarters and sent to INEC's Resident Electoral Commissioner in Zamfara for record. Campaigns are expected to continue under the security arrangements the command says it has put in place.