Atiku, Makinde absent as presidential candidates, parties sign peace pact

Political parties and their presidential and National Assembly candidates signed the First National Peace Accord on Tuesday, pledging to avoid violence, hate speech, personal attacks, and misinformation during the 2027 general elections. The ceremony, organized by the National Peace Committee with The Kukah Centre in Abuja, occurred as campaigning for the elections was set to begin.

Notable opposition figures, such as former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, did not attend. President Bola Tinubu, seeking re-election with the All Progressives Congress, was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. The ceremony took place just before the statutory start of public campaigns and rallies for the elections, scheduled for January 16, 2027, and February 6, 2027, respectively.

President Tinubu urged political actors to prioritize national interest over personal ambitions and commended the National Peace Committee for its efforts since 2014. The INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, highlighted growing concerns over hate speech, misinformation, and toxicity in recent campaigns and emphasized the importance of ethical boundaries for the upcoming elections.