President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged political parties and their candidates to conduct issue-based campaigns and reject violence, hate speech, misinformation and the use of ethnic and religious sentiments as the 2027 general elections approach.
Tinubu made the call on Tuesday in Abuja in remarks delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the signing of a peace accord ahead of the elections.
The President commended the National Peace Committee, particularly its chairman, former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as the Sultan of Sokoto and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, for their continued efforts to promote peaceful elections in Nigeria.
He said the peace accord represented a solemn commitment by political actors to place the national interest above personal and partisan ambitions.
According to him, although political contests are often intense and accompanied by disagreements, Nigeria has made significant progress in the conduct and management of elections since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
Tinubu particularly highlighted the increasing use of technology by the Independent National Electoral Commission, saying innovations such as the Permanent Voter's Card and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System had strengthened the electoral process and reduced opportunities for manipulation at polling units.
He also cited the off-cycle elections held in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun states between October 2025 and August 15, 2026, saying the contests demonstrated the country's growing democratic maturity.
The President noted that different political parties emerged victorious in the three elections, adding that local and international observers had described the polls as free, credible and transparent.
He argued that when electoral processes and their outcomes are seen as credible, the likelihood of prolonged post-election disputes and litigation is reduced.
Tinubu called on political parties, civil society organisations, the media, foreign partners and Nigerians to contribute to the strengthening of the country's democratic institutions.
He stressed that democracy should not be viewed merely as a periodic exercise through which politicians acquire public office.
“Democracy is about how citizens participate in the affairs of their nation, build trust in public institutions, engage civically, and work together for good governance and a more just and equitable society,” he said.
As the campaign season approaches, the President urged political actors to focus their campaigns on ideas, policies and competing visions for Nigeria rather than exploiting ethnic, religious or regional divisions.
He said politicians could disagree strongly without turning political opponents into enemies.
“We must never resort to divisive or primordial sentiments of ethnicity or religion as tools for seeking power,” Tinubu said.
He urged parties to campaign on issues capable of expanding opportunities for Nigerians and accelerating the country's economic and social development.
Tinubu further pledged his commitment, as President and leader of the All Progressives Congress, to the principles contained in the peace accord.
He said the APC rejected electoral violence, hate speech, incitement and the deliberate spread of misinformation and disinformation, including through artificial intelligence and social media platforms.
The President also encouraged other political parties and candidates to make similar commitments as the country prepares for the 2027 elections.
He reminded political actors that elections should not be treated as a “do-or-die affair,” stressing that political victories and defeats are temporary while Nigeria remains a permanent national project.
“Win or lose, our country, Nigeria, must be the ultimate winner,” he said.
Tinubu called for peaceful political engagement, respect for democratic institutions and acceptance of electoral outcomes, urging Nigerians to ensure that the 2027 elections strengthen rather than undermine national unity and democratic governance.
He concluded by calling for continued peace and stability as the country enters another electoral cycle.
Tinubu Signs Peace Accord, Urges Parties to Shun Violence Ahead of 2027 Polls
