Tinubu Urges 2027 Candidates To Reject Political Violence

President Bola Tinubu has called on political parties and candidates preparing for the 2027 general elections to reject violence, hate speech and divisive politics, stressing that elections must not become a “do-or-die affair”.

Tinubu made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during the signing of the National Peace Accord for the 2027 elections. Represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the president praised the National Peace Committee for encouraging peaceful and issue-based campaigns.

He noted that Nigerian elections have often created anxiety because of the intense competition for political power. However, he said INEC’s technological innovations had helped improve transparency in the electoral process.

Tinubu urged candidates to focus their campaigns on policies and ideas instead of ethnic or religious sentiments.

“Since 1999, when our country returned to democratic governance under the stewardship of General Abdulsalami Abubakar and his team, every election period has brought its share of anxiety because of the nature of our politics and the intense competition for power by political actors,” he said.

He added, “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.”

The president also reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to the Peace Accord, saying, “Our party rejects violence, hate speech, the spread of misinformation, including through artificial intelligence, and all forms of incitement, especially via social media.”

Tinubu concluded with a call for national unity, saying, “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.”

Do you think the 2027 elections can be conducted peacefully if political actors follow these commitments?