Adebayo Faults Tinubu’s Absence At National Peace Accord Signing

Adebayo Faults Tinubu’s Absence at National Peace Accord Signing

Social Democratic Party SDP presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for failing to personally attend the signing of the National Peace Accord ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. The accord was signed in Abuja on Tuesday by presidential candidates and political party representatives, who pledged to conduct peaceful and issue-based campaigns and reject violence, hate speech, personal attacks, fake news and ethnic or religious incitement. Tinubu, who is also the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC, was represented at the ceremony by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. Adebayo said the President’s absence sent a “wrong signal” to political actors, security agencies and government officials about the administration’s commitment to a peaceful electoral process. The SDP candidate argued that Tinubu should have personally attended the event because of his position as President and his role as a candidate seeking re-election. He said the President’s presence would have demonstrated that the government takes the integrity and peaceful conduct of the 2027 elections seriously. Adebayo also rejected the idea that sending the SGF was an adequate substitute, arguing that the occasion required the personal commitment of the country’s political leader.

He called on Tinubu to explain his absence and publicly reaffirm his commitment to peace and credible elections. The criticism comes as Nigeria formally enters the 2027 election campaign period. Other presidential candidates, including Peter Obi, Omoyele Sowore and Donald Duke, participated in the peace accord ceremony, while the National Peace Committee urged politicians to avoid inflammatory rhetoric. The Peace Accord is intended to reduce electoral violence and encourage responsible campaigning. Adebayo’s criticism highlights concerns that political leaders must demonstrate personally the commitments they expect candidates and supporters to uphold Adebayo says Tinubu’s absence weakened the symbolic importance of the Peace Accord and wants the President to publicly clarify his position on peaceful, credible elections.