Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of failing to demonstrate sufficient commitment to peaceful elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adebayo made the allegation after Tinubu did not personally attend the National Peace Accord signing ceremony in Abuja. The President was represented at the event by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
The peace accord was signed by several presidential candidates and political party representatives as part of efforts to promote peaceful and issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.
Adebayo argued that Tinubu’s absence sent the wrong signal to government officials, security agencies and Nigerians about the administration’s commitment to peaceful elections.
He called on the President to explain his absence and publicly reaffirm his commitment to the peace process.
However, Tinubu’s representative at the ceremony conveyed a message urging political parties and candidates to focus their campaigns on policies and ideas rather than ethnic or religious divisions.
Akume said transparent elections would help reduce disputes and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions. He also urged politicians to ensure that the country’s interests remained above individual political ambitions.
The National Peace Accord is intended to encourage candidates and political parties to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process.
The development comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with presidential candidates and parties beginning to mobilise supporters and outline their political agendas.
Adebayo’s criticism adds to the growing debate over the responsibilities of political leaders during the election period and the importance of ensuring that political competition does not lead to tension or violence.
