{
  "id": 1769481,
  "title": "Atiku, Makinde absent as presidential candidates, parties sign peace pact",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/atiku-makinde-absent-as-presidential-candidates-parties-sign-peace",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-18T18:32:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/atiku-makinde-absent-as-presidential-candidates-parties-sign-peace-pact/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Tuesday, political parties and presidential candidates signed the First National Peace Accord to promote issue-based campaigns in the 2027 general elections. The agreement aimed to prevent violence, hate speech, personal attacks, misinformation, and other disruptive behaviors. The signing took place in Abuja, ahead of the official start of the 2027 campaign season. Notably, presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Seyi Makinde were absent from the event. 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 was chaired by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, with former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai, representing him. The Independent National Electoral Commission's chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, emphasized the urgency of the accord, citing a recent resurgence of hate speech, toxic polarization, and misinformation.",
  "summary": "Presidential candidates and parties sign a National Peace Accord for the 2027 general elections, pledging issue-based campaigns and shunning violence. Lear Read More: https://punchng.com/atiku-makinde-absent-as-presidential-candidates-parties-sign-peace-pact/",
  "key_points": [
    "First National Peace Accord signed by political parties and candidates",
    "Atiku Abubakar and Seyi Makinde absent from the ceremony",
    "Accord aims to curb violence and disruptive behaviors in 2027 elections"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Atiku, Makinde absent as presidential candidates, parties sign peace pact",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/atiku-makinde-absent-as-presidential-candidates-parties-sign-peace-1771960",
        "published": "2026-08-18T18:46:33.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}