Political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections have come into focus in Zamfara State following the reported absence of two governorship candidates from a peace accord signing ceremony organised by the state police command.
The candidates, Bilyaminu Shinkafi of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Senator Kabiru Marafa of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), were reportedly absent from the event, although reports indicated that Shinkafi was represented at the ceremony.
The peace accord was organised as part of efforts to promote peaceful political campaigns, strengthen cooperation among stakeholders and prevent electoral violence ahead of the 2027 polls.
During the event, the police urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to comply with electoral guidelines and refrain from actions capable of threatening public peace or disrupting the electoral process.
The command stressed the importance of responsible political conduct and peaceful engagement as preparations for the elections gather momentum.
The reasons for the reported absence of the two candidates were not immediately known. However, their absence from the ceremony does not, in itself, indicate opposition to the peace accord.
The development comes as political parties and aspirants intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with security agencies emphasising the need for peaceful campaigns and credible electoral processes.
