President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on all political parties and candidates to shun divisive and primordial sentiments as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections. The President made the call on Tuesday, August 18th, 2026, in Abuja during the signing of the Peace Accord, where he was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

‎President Tinubu said while political disagreements are part of democracy, campaigns must not be used to undermine national cohesion. He urged political actors to focus on issues, policies and programmes that will improve the lives of Nigerians, instead of exploiting ethnicity or religion for political gain.

The President reaffirmed his personal commitment and that of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the principles of the Peace Accord. He said the ruling party will conduct its campaign in a manner that promotes peace and national stability ahead of the polls.

He declared that the APC rejects violence, hate speech, misinformation and the misuse of social media and artificial intelligence to manipulate public opinion or inflame tensions. The President encouraged other parties to make the same commitment to peaceful and transparent elections.

‎President Tinubu reminded politicians that elections are not a do-or-die affair. He said regardless of party affiliation, all Nigerians remain partners in nation-building, and that the country must be the ultimate winner in 2027.

‎The President commended the National Peace Committee led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and Bishop Matthew Kukah, for sustaining efforts to promote peaceful elections since 2014. He noted that since 1999, Nigeria has made progress in electoral management by INEC.

He cited improvements through the Permanent Voter’s Card and BVAS, which he said have reduced ballot snatching, ballot stuffing and vote manipulation. He also referenced the recent off-season governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun between October 2025 and August 2026, which observers described as free, credible and transparent.

‎President Tinubu called on Nigerians, civil society, development partners and the media to support efforts to deepen democracy. He expressed confidence that adherence to the Peace Accord will ensure peaceful campaigns, credible elections in 2027, and further strengthen political stability and economic progress in Nigeria.