Segun Atanda/
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to run a peaceful, issue-based campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election, warning politicians against violence, hate speech, religious and ethnic divisions, as well as the use of artificial intelligence to spread misinformation.
Tinubu made the commitment today at the signing of the Peace Accord in Abuja ahead of the commencement of campaigns for the January and February 2027 general elections.
The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, declared that elections must never become a “do-or-die affair,” stressing that Nigeria’s survival and progress must take precedence over individual political ambitions.
“As the campaign season kicks off, I commit myself and my party, the All Progressives Congress, to the tenets of this accord,” Tinubu said.
“Our party rejects violence, hate speech, the spread of misinformation, including through artificial intelligence, and all forms of incitement, especially via social media.”
He urged other political parties and candidates to make similar commitments, insisting that regardless of who wins or loses the election, Nigeria must emerge as the ultimate winner.
Tinubu also warned politicians against exploiting Nigeria’s ethnic and religious fault lines in their quest for power, calling instead for robust debates on ideas, policies and competing visions for the country.
“It is natural during campaigns to disagree as opponents and advocate competing governing visions for our country. We may exchange occasional political jabs,” he said. “But as members of the same household, the same national family, we must never resort to divisive or primordial sentiments of ethnicity or religion as tools for seeking power.
“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.”
The President described the signing of the accord as a solemn commitment by political leaders to place national interest above partisan considerations.
He commended the National Peace Committee, particularly former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar; the Sultan of Sokoto, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah for sustaining the peace initiative since 2014.
According to him, the committee’s interventions have helped encourage candidates and political parties to embrace non-violent and issue-based campaigns during national and off-cycle elections.
Tinubu acknowledged that elections in Nigeria have historically generated anxiety because of the fierce competition for political power but argued that the country’s electoral system had recorded significant improvements since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
He particularly credited the Independent National Electoral Commission with deploying technology to improve election management and transparency.
The President said the Permanent Voter’s Card and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System had helped curb manipulation at polling units and strengthened the power of voters to determine electoral outcomes.
“These improvements have restored power to the voters, who are now sure that their vote will count. Politicians are now more accountable to the people because votes count,” he said.
Tinubu cited the off-season elections held in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun states between October 2025 and August 15, 2026, noting that different political parties emerged victorious.
He said the elections demonstrated Nigeria’s growing capacity to conduct credible polls, adding that greater transparency could also reduce post-election litigation.
The President called on civil society organisations, the media, Nigerians and international partners to support efforts to deepen the country’s democratic culture.
He stressed that democracy goes beyond periodically electing political office holders and encompasses active citizen participation, trust in institutions, civic engagement, good governance and the pursuit of a just and equitable society.
Tinubu said the peace accord should serve as a reminder to all candidates and their supporters that political competition must never be allowed to undermine national unity.
“Let us remember that elections are not a do-or-die affair. We are partners in the project of nation-building,” he said.
“Win or lose, our country, Nigeria, must be the ultimate winner.”
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