President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged political parties and candidates preparing for the 2027 general elections to reject violence, hate speech and divisive rhetoric, stressing that the contest must not be treated as a “do-or-die affair.”
Tinubu made the call on Tuesday in Abuja while speaking at the signing of the National Peace Accord for the 2027 elections, organised by the National Peace Committee in collaboration with The Kukah Centre.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the President commended the National Peace Committee, led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, for its continued efforts to promote peaceful and issue-based electoral campaigns.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Sultan of Sokoto and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah to the committee’s peace-building efforts since 2014.
Tinubu observed that elections in Nigeria had often been accompanied by tension and uncertainty since the country returned to democratic rule in 1999, largely because of intense competition for political power.
He, however, said improvements in electoral administration, particularly the adoption of technology by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had strengthened the credibility of the electoral process.
According to him, innovations including the Permanent Voter’s Card, the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and electronic card readers have helped curb practices such as ballot stuffing and ballot snatching while increasing voters’ confidence that their ballots will count.
The President cited recent governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun states as examples of the country’s growing ability to conduct elections more transparently and credibly.
He said credible elections and transparent handling of results would also help reduce post-election disputes and litigation.
Tinubu described the Peace Accord as a solemn commitment by political leaders to put the national interest ahead of personal and partisan ambitions.
He urged political parties and candidates to focus their campaigns on policies and ideas rather than ethnic or religious sentiments.
While acknowledging that political opponents would naturally disagree during campaigns, he warned against using primordial identities as instruments for seeking political power.
The President further called on civil society organisations, the media, international partners and Nigerians to contribute to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting peaceful elections.
He stressed that democracy was not limited to voting and choosing political leaders, but also involved citizens’ participation, civic engagement, confidence in public institutions and collective efforts toward good governance.
Tinubu pledged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would uphold the principles of the Peace Accord and reject violence, hate speech, misinformation, incitement and the misuse of artificial intelligence, particularly on social media.
He urged other political parties and political actors to make similar commitments ahead of the 2027 polls.
According to the President, peaceful and credible elections are essential for Nigeria’s political stability, social cohesion and economic development.
He ultimately reminded political actors that electoral contests should never be regarded as matters of life and death, insisting that Nigeria’s unity and survival must remain more important than partisan victory.
“Let us remember that elections are not a do-or-die affair. We are partners in the project of nation-building. Win or lose, our country, Nigeria, must be the ultimate winner,” Tinubu said.
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