Tinubu’s absence shows Peace Accord not taken seriously – Sowore
Sowore Criticizes Tinubu’s Absence at National Peace Accord Signing
The African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has taken issue with President Bola Tinubu for not attending the signing of the National Peace Accord, an event held in Abuja in advance of the 2027 general elections.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, Sowore asserted that the President’s absence signified a lack of seriousness regarding the peace agreement. Tinubu was represented at the ceremony by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. Other presidential candidates, including Peter Obi and Donald Duke, also participated in the signing organized by the National Peace Committee.
Sowore emphasized that, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Tinubu should have attended in person to underline his commitment to ensuring peaceful elections. He remarked, “I told them that whatever they signed there was null and void because they are not parties to the election. The President of Nigeria is the number one controller of violence, officially, because he is Commander-in-Chief for good and for bad. If he is not there, it shows that this is not a serious affair.”
He suggested that Tinubu’s presence would have conferred greater credibility and moral authority to the accord. “He should have shown an example as a leader to say, if this thing is going to be done 20 times, I will be there to approve my signature on paper if you believe in it. This shows he doesn’t even believe in what we are doing,” Sowore added, stressing the importance of the Head of State’s involvement in promoting non-violence.
Despite his critique, Sowore attended the ceremony and signed the accord, reaffirming his commitment to free and fair elections. “I showed up there just so that I can give my own reinforcement of belief that, symbolically, I believe in free and fair elections,” he stated.
However, Sowore called for the peace accord to extend beyond mere symbolism, advocating for tangible measures to address electoral violence and ensure accountability for violators.
The National Peace Accord was signed on Tuesday by various presidential candidates and political leaders. The agreement aims to foster peaceful campaigns, issue-based politics, and non-violent conduct before, during, and after the upcoming elections.
