2027: SDP’s Adebayo faults Tinubu’s absence at National Peace Accord
Adebayo Criticizes President Tinubu’s Absence at National Peace Accord Signing
By Emmanuel Okogba
The presidential candidate for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has expressed concern over President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the National Peace Accord signing, which took place Tuesday in Abuja. Adebayo’s comments come as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Adebayo stated that Tinubu’s absence could convey a lack of commitment to a peaceful electoral process. “President Tinubu not showing up today is showing that he is not committed to peace,” Adebayo said. “He is sending a wrong signal to law enforcement and to those who work for the government.”
Adebayo urged the President to clarify his absence and publicly reaffirm his dedication to peace during the electoral period. “He needs to correct that by making a clear statement explaining why he is absent and committing himself to the peace process,” he added.
Adebayo emphasized that the President’s engagement in such actions is vital for bolstering confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions. “There is no issue of state grandeur than the President showing that democracy is important,” he noted. “There is no more national security than the continuity of the state.”
He referenced the attendance of former President Muhammadu Buhari at the last peace accord signing four years ago, despite not being a candidate then. “Four years ago, he [Tinubu] was around, and President Buhari, who was not even contesting, was present. It is good for you as a leader to believe in a peace process,” Adebayo remarked.
Additionally, Adebayo criticized the decision to have Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, represent the President at the event. “This is an insult to the process. The SGF is not involved in the election. You have your Vice President who could have come,” he said.
The National Peace Accord, signed by presidential candidates and representatives of political parties, aims to promote peaceful and issue-based campaigns leading up to the elections. Participants included Peter Obi, Omoyele Sowore, and Donald Duke. The event was also attended by Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), among other stakeholders.
Obi called for credible, violence-free elections and urged Nigerians to reject candidates who violate the terms of the agreement. Amupitan reiterated INEC’s commitment to neutrality and encouraged political parties to prioritize policy discussions over personal attacks, stating, “The election should be a marketplace of ideas, not a theatre of war.”
Furthermore, Amupitan announced ongoing preparations to deploy approximately 1.4 million ad hoc personnel across more than 176,000 polling units. Bishop Matthew Kukah added his voice to the calls for political leaders to ensure that elections result in tangible improvements in citizens’ lives while encouraging greater public engagement in the electoral process.
