President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged political parties and their candidates to shun violence, hate speech, misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu made the call on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the signing of the Peace Accord in Abuja. He was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
The President said the signing of the accord was a solemn commitment by political leaders to place the national interest above personal and partisan ambitions and ensure that the 2027 electoral process is peaceful and transparent.
He commended members of the National Peace Committee, particularly former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar; the Sultan of Sokoto; and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, for their efforts in promoting peaceful elections since 2014.
According to him, the Peace Committee had consistently encouraged political parties and candidates to commit themselves to non-violent and issue-based campaigns during national and off-cycle elections.
Tinubu noted that Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999 had been accompanied by anxiety during election periods because of the intense competition for political power.
He, however, said the country had recorded considerable progress in electoral transparency and election management, particularly through the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“With the aid of technology, INEC has recorded remarkable improvement in every election cycle,” he said, noting that the introduction of the Permanent Voters’ Card and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System had helped to curb electoral manipulation.
The President said the technological improvements had helped restore confidence among voters by strengthening the assurance that their votes would count.
“Politicians are now more accountable to the people because votes count,” he said.
Tinubu also cited the three off-cycle governorship elections held in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States between October 2025 and August 15, 2026, saying different political parties emerged victorious and that local and international observers described the elections as free, credible and transparent.
He argued that transparent electoral processes would also help reduce post-election litigation.
The President said the Peace Accord signed by the political actors should serve as a solemn pledge to Nigerians that political leaders would conduct themselves responsibly throughout the electoral process.
He called on Nigerians, civil society organisations, international partners and the media to contribute to the strengthening of the country’s democracy.
According to him, democracy goes beyond periodic elections and the emergence of politicians into public office, stressing that it also encompasses citizens’ participation in national affairs, trust in public institutions and civic engagement.
He urged political parties and their candidates to focus their campaigns on ideas, policies and competing visions for the country’s development rather than exploiting ethnic or religious sentiments.
“It is natural during campaigns to disagree as opponents and advocate competing governing visions for our country. We may exchange occasional political jabs. But as members of the same household, the same national family, we must never resort to divisive or primordial sentiments of ethnicity or religion as tools for seeking power,” Tinubu said.
He further challenged the political class to “campaign on superior ideas,” debate issues and promote policies capable of expanding opportunities for Nigerians and accelerating the country’s development.
As the campaign season approaches, Tinubu pledged his commitment, as well as that of the ruling All Progressives Congress, to the provisions of the Peace Accord.
“Our party rejects violence, hate speech, the spread of misinformation—including through artificial intelligence—and all forms of incitement, especially via social media,” he said.
He urged other political parties and political actors to make similar commitments, saying peaceful and transparent elections were essential to political stability, social harmony, economic progress and national prosperity.
Tinubu also cautioned politicians against treating elections as a do-or-die affair, emphasising that political contests should not undermine the country’s unity and development.
“Let us remember that elections are not a do-or-die affair. We are partners in the project of nation-building. Win or lose, our country, Nigeria, must be the ultimate winner,” he said.
The President’s remarks came as political parties and their candidates prepare for the 2027 general elections, with the Peace Accord expected to provide a framework for peaceful campaigns and responsible political conduct.
