Tinubu’s Absence Shows Peace Pact Is Not a Serious Affair – Sowore
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.
The peace accord was signed in Abuja on Tuesday by several presidential candidates and political leaders as part of efforts to promote peaceful campaigns and prevent electoral violence ahead of the 2027 elections.
Tinubu was represented at the ceremony by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. Other political figures, including Peter Obi, Sowore and Donald Duke, attended the event and signed the agreement.
Reacting to the President’s absence, Sowore said Tinubu’s decision not to attend personally showed that the President did not consider the peace pact a serious affair.
According to Sowore, Tinubu, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, should have been present to demonstrate his commitment to preventing electoral violence and ensuring a peaceful election.
Sowore argued that the President’s physical presence would have given the agreement greater moral authority and demonstrated that the government was serious about the principles contained in the pact.
He said the President should lead by example if the government genuinely wants to promote non-violence during the 2027 electoral process.
The AAC candidate also questioned the effectiveness of signing peace agreements when political actors are not held accountable for violations. He had earlier called for a “Justice Accord” instead, arguing that Nigeria needs stronger measures to address impunity and ensure justice.
Despite his criticism, Sowore attended the ceremony and signed the accord. He explained that his participation was meant to demonstrate his personal commitment to a free and fair election.
The National Peace Accord is aimed at encouraging political candidates to conduct their campaigns peacefully and avoid actions that could lead to violence before, during and after the 2027 elections.
Sowore’s comments have added to the political debate surrounding the accord, particularly over whether signing a peace agreement is enough to guarantee peaceful elections without strong enforcement and accountability.
