Tinubu urges 2027 candidates to shun violence, ethnic politics

President Bola Tinubu has urged political parties and candidates contesting the 2027 general elections to reject violence, hate speech, misinformation and the use of ethnic and religious sentiments during campaigns.

Tinubu made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the signing of the 2027 General Elections Peace Accord organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC). He was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

The President said the peace accord was a commitment by political leaders to place Nigeria’s interests above personal and partisan ambitions as the country prepares for the January and February 2027 elections.

He commended the National Peace Committee, led by former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar, for sustaining efforts to promote peaceful and issue-based elections since 2014.

Tinubu also highlighted what he described as improvements in Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly the use of technology by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

According to him, the introduction of the Permanent Voter Cards and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System has reduced electoral malpractice, including ballot stuffing and snatching, while giving voters greater confidence that their votes will count.

The President cited the recent off-cycle governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States as evidence of the country’s growing electoral maturity, noting that different political parties emerged victorious in the contests.

He said credible elections would also help reduce post-election disputes and litigation.

“As the campaign season kicks off, I commit myself and my party, the All Progressives Congress, to the tenets of this accord,” Tinubu said.

He said the APC would reject violence, hate speech, misinformation, including misinformation generated through artificial intelligence, and incitement on social media.

Tinubu urged other political parties to make similar commitments and focus their campaigns on policies and ideas capable of improving the lives of Nigerians.

“Let us campaign on superior ideas. Let us debate issues and promote the best policies to expand opportunities for our people and accelerate Nigeria’s journey from a developing nation to a first-world country,” he said.

The President also warned political actors against exploiting ethnic and religious divisions for electoral gains.

He said disagreements were inevitable during political campaigns but should not degenerate into attacks based on ethnicity or religion.

“We must never resort to divisive and primordial sentiments of ethnicity or religion as tools for seeking power,” he said.

Tinubu further reminded politicians that elections should not be treated as a matter of life and death, urging them to see themselves as partners in nation-building regardless of electoral outcomes.

“Win or lose, our country, Nigeria, must be the ultimate winner,” he said.

He also called on Nigerians, civil society organisations, the media and international partners to support efforts aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring peaceful elections in 2027.