President Bola Tinubu has urged political parties and candidates to shun violence, hate speech, ethnic and religious sentiments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during the signing of the first National Peace Accord for the 2027 elections. He was represented at the ceremony by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
The President said political campaigns should focus on ideas, policies, and programs capable of improving Nigerians’ lives rather than exploiting divisions.
He also committed the ruling of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the accord, saying the party rejects violence, hate speech, misinformation, and incitement, including the use of artificial intelligence to manipulate public opinion.
“As the campaign season kicks off, I commit myself and my party, the All Progressives Congress, to the tenets of this accord,” Tinubu said.
He urged other political parties and candidates to make similar commitments, stressing that elections should not be treated as a “do-or-die affair.”
“Win or lose, our country, Nigeria, must be the ultimate winner,” he said.
Tinubu also called on political actors to campaign on “superior ideas” and competing visions for national development.
The National Peace Committee, led by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, convened the accord as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 polls.
Several presidential candidates and political parties signed the accord on Tuesday, although some opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, were absent from the ceremony.
The President further urged civil society groups, the media, development partners, and citizens to support peaceful campaigns, civic engagement, and public trust in the electoral process.
The signing comes as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections, with political parties already stepping up mobilization and campaign activities.
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