The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for failing to attend the signing of the National Peace Accord ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adebayo argued that the President’s absence from the ceremony could create doubts about his willingness to support a peaceful and credible electoral process.
The National Peace Accord was signed on Tuesday in Abuja by presidential candidates and representatives of political parties as part of efforts to promote peaceful elections. The initiative was facilitated by the National Peace Committee, which appealed to political actors to embrace responsible campaigns and avoid actions capable of causing violence before, during and after the polls.
Several opposition figures, including Peter Obi, Omoyele Sowore and Donald Duke, were present at the event. The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, alongside other political and civil society stakeholders, also attended the gathering.
However, President Tinubu was absent from the ceremony. He was instead represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Adebayo said the President’s decision not to personally attend the event could send an undesirable message to political leaders, security agencies and public officials.
He maintained that Tinubu should clarify why he was unable to attend and publicly demonstrate his support for the peace initiative.
According to the SDP candidate, the presence of the SGF could not adequately substitute for the President because Akume is not a participant in the presidential contest.
Adebayo argued that the occasion provided an important opportunity for the President to demonstrate that democracy, peaceful elections and political stability remain priorities for his administration.
He questioned why Tinubu could not personally attend the ceremony, especially because the event took place in Abuja, where the President resides and works.
The SDP candidate further stated that a peaceful transfer or continuation of democratic governance depends heavily on the conduct of credible elections.
He said the President’s physical presence at the peace accord would have demonstrated stronger support for the electoral process and reassured political stakeholders of his commitment to maintaining peace.
Adebayo also recalled that former President Muhammadu Buhari had previously participated in the signing of a similar peace agreement, even when he was not a candidate in the election.
He argued that political leaders should participate in such initiatives because their involvement can encourage other contestants and supporters to respect the rules of democratic engagement.
The SDP presidential candidate stressed that the importance of the peace process goes beyond individual political ambitions, noting that the stability and continuity of the country should remain the primary concern.
He urged President Tinubu to address concerns surrounding his absence and reaffirm his commitment to a peaceful, transparent and credible 2027 election.
According to Adebayo, Nigeria needs political leaders who are willing to demonstrate their commitment to democracy through both words and actions, particularly as the country approaches another highly contested presidential election.
