Tinubu’s Absence Shows Peace Pact Not A ‘Serious Affair’ — Sowore
19th August, 2026 | News
Sowore Criticises Tinubu’s Absence at National Peace Accord Signing
African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has criticised President Bola Tinubu for not personally attending the signing of the National Peace Accord ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sowore said the President’s absence suggested that the agreement was not being treated as a serious commitment towards preventing electoral violence.
He made the remarks on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, a day after several presidential candidates and political leaders signed the accord in Abuja.
President Tinubu was represented at the ceremony by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. Other political figures, including Peter Obi, Omoyele Sowore and Donald Duke, signed the agreement organised by the National Peace Committee.
Sowore argued that Tinubu, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, should have personally attended the ceremony to demonstrate his commitment to peaceful elections and the prevention of electoral violence.
According to him, the President’s physical presence would have given the accord greater moral authority and demonstrated that the government was committed to the principles contained in the agreement.
Sowore also questioned the significance of the document if the country’s top political and security authority was not personally present to endorse it.
He maintained that a genuine commitment to non-violence should begin with the country’s leadership, particularly the President who serves as Commander-in-Chief.
The AAC candidate said Tinubu’s participation would have provided stronger moral support for the peace initiative and sent a clear message to political actors and Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections.
The National Peace Accord was signed by several political leaders and presidential candidates as part of efforts by the National Peace Committee to promote peaceful campaigns and discourage electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.