ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged his commitment to a peaceful and transparent 2027 general election, urging political parties and candidates to reject violence, hate speech, misinformation and divisive ethnic and religious rhetoric.
Tinubu made the commitment on Tuesday in Abuja at the signing of the peace accord ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The President was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
The accord, convened by the National Peace Committee (NPC), is aimed at committing political parties and candidates to peaceful, issue-based campaigns ahead of the January and February 2027 general elections.
Tinubu commended the NPC, particularly former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, for sustaining efforts to promote peaceful elections since 2014.
The President said Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999 had been accompanied by intense political competition and election-related anxiety, but noted that the country’s electoral process had continued to improve.
He highlighted the role of technology in strengthening election management, citing the Permanent Voter Card and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) as important tools in improving the integrity of elections.
According to Tinubu, these reforms have strengthened voters’ confidence that their votes will count and have increased political accountability.
He cited the off-cycle governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States between October 2025 and August 15, 2026, saying the polls were won by different political parties and were described by local and international observers as free, credible and transparent.
Tinubu argued that greater transparency in elections could also reduce post-election disputes and litigation.
“We have gathered today to commit ourselves to a peaceful and transparent electoral process,” the President said, describing the signing of the accord as a solemn pledge by political leaders to put Nigeria’s interests ahead of personal and partisan ambitions.
Tinubu Warns Against Ethnic, Religious Politics
With the 2027 campaign season approaching, Tinubu urged political actors to compete on policies and ideas rather than ethnic or religious divisions.
He acknowledged that political campaigns would naturally involve disagreements and criticism but warned that politicians must not exploit primordial sentiments to gain electoral advantage.
“Let us campaign on superior ideas. Let us debate issues and promote the best policies to expand opportunities for our people and accelerate Nigeria’s journey from a developing nation to a first-world country,” he said.
The President also called on civil society organisations, the media, foreign partners and Nigerians to play a role in strengthening democratic institutions and civic participation.
He stressed that democracy extends beyond elections, encompassing citizens’ participation in national affairs, public trust, civic engagement and efforts to promote good governance.
APC Rejects Violence, Misinformation
Tinubu said he would ensure that both he and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), abide by the principles of the peace accord.
He said the APC rejects violence, hate speech, incitement and the spread of misinformation, including misinformation generated or amplified through artificial intelligence and social media platforms.
“We are committed to peaceful, transparent elections that will strengthen political stability, social harmony, economic progress, and our nation’s prosperity,” Tinubu said.
He challenged other political parties and candidates to make a similar commitment as the country moves towards the 2027 elections.
The President urged politicians to recognise that electoral contests should not become struggles for political survival, stressing that Nigeria’s national interest must remain paramount regardless of the outcome.
“Win or lose, our country, Nigeria, must be the ultimate winner,” he said.
The peace accord marks an early effort by Nigeria’s political leadership to establish rules of engagement ahead of the 2027 election campaign, with the focus on peaceful competition, credible elections and the protection of national cohesion.
