{
  "id": 1922211,
  "title": "Tinubu’s absence shows Peace Accord not taken seriously – Sowore",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/tinubus-absence-shows-peace-accord-not-taken-seriously-sowore",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-19T11:09:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/19/tinubus-absence-shows-peace-accord-not-taken-seriously-sowore/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has lambasted President Bola Tinubu for not personally attending the signing of the National Peace Accord ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Sowore contended that the absence of the President from the ceremony in Abuja signaled his lack of seriousness towards the peace pact. Tinubu was represented at the event by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.\n\nSowore argued that the President, as Commander-in-Chief of Nigerian Armed Forces, should have attended to underscore his dedication to peaceful elections. He maintained that the candidates, including himself, were not legally bound to the agreement, as they were not stakeholders in the electoral process. Sowore insisted that the President's absence undermined the accord's credibility and moral endorsement.\n\nThe AAC contender further emphasized that the presence of the President would have lent greater legitimacy to the accord. He opined that the Head of State, as commander of the military, could effectively demonstrate his commitment to non-violence through his visible support. \"He should have shown an example as a leader to say, if this thing is going to be done 20 times, I will be there to approve my signature on paper if you believe in it,\" Sowore stated.\n\nDespite his criticism, Sowore affirmed his attendance and signature on the accord, reiterating his belief in free and fair elections. However, he stressed that the pact should transcend symbolic gestures and be underpinned by tangible actions to curb electoral violence and ensure accountability.",
  "summary": "The African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for failing to personally attend the signing of the National Peace Accord ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, Sowore said the President’s absence from the ceremony in Abuja showed that he did not […] Tinubu’s absence shows…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Premium Times",
        "title": "2027: SDP’s Adebayo criticises Tinubu for being absent from peace accord",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/2027-sdps-adebayo-criticises-tinubu-for-being-absent-from-peace-accord",
        "published": "2026-08-19T12:41:23.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}