The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for failing to personally attend the signing of the National Peace Accord ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adebayo said the President’s absence from the ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday sent the wrong signal to political actors, security agencies and government officials about his commitment to a peaceful electoral process.
He made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.
According to Adebayo, Tinubu should have personally attended the event, particularly because the accord is aimed at promoting peaceful and credible elections.
“President Tinubu not showing up today, he is showing that he is not committed to peace. He is sending a wrong signal to law enforcement, for the people who work for the government, that the President looks like he is not committed enough,” Adebayo said.
The SDP candidate urged Tinubu to explain his absence and publicly reaffirm his commitment to the peace process.
“So, he needs to correct that by making a clear statement explaining why he is absent and making sure that he makes a statement committing himself to the peace process,” he said.
Adebayo also questioned the decision to have the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, represent the President at the event, arguing that Vice-President Kashim Shettima could have attended on Tinubu’s behalf.
“Oh please, this is an insult to the process. The SGF is not involved in the election. You have your Vice President who could come,” he said.
The National Peace Accord was organised by the National Peace Committee, in partnership with The Kukah Centre, ahead of the commencement of campaigns for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections on August 19.
The agreement commits political parties, candidates and their supporters to peaceful conduct, issue-based campaigns and respect for Nigeria’s electoral institutions and laws.
Tinubu did not personally attend the ceremony but was represented by Akume. Other political figures who participated included Adebayo, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and African Action Congress candidate Omoyele Sowore. INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan and other stakeholders also attended.
Speaking at the event, members of the National Peace Committee warned political actors against hate speech, violence, misinformation, personal attacks and other conduct capable of undermining the electoral process.
The signing comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with stakeholders calling for a peaceful contest and campaigns centred on policies and solutions to the country’s challenges.
