Tinubu Snubbed Peace Accord, Drawing Ire from Adebayo!

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has voiced strong criticism against President Bola Tinubu for his absence at the signing of an electoral peace accord. Adebayo contended that the President's non-attendance sends a deeply troubling signal about the government's commitment to ensuring peaceful, free, and credible elections, especially as Nigeria prepares for the crucial 2027 general elections.

Adebayo stressed that as the nation’s highest political authority and a direct beneficiary of Nigeria’s electoral process, President Tinubu had an inherent duty to personally lead political actors in demonstrating an unwavering commitment to peace. He argued that the President's presence would have conveyed a powerful message to political parties, candidates, security agencies, and the electorate, assuring them that the Federal Government was serious about preventing electoral violence and protecting the integrity of the vote. Adebayo explicitly stated, “President Tinubu not showing up today is showing that he’s not committed to peace,” underscoring his perception of the President's dedication.

The SDP candidate further warned that Tinubu’s absence could have significant ramifications, influencing how government officials and security personnel perceive the administration’s attitude towards electoral peace. He observed, “He’s sending a wrong signal to law enforcement, people who work for the government, that the president looks like he’s not committed enough.” Consequently, Adebayo urged President Tinubu to personally address the concerns arising from his non-attendance by providing an explanation for his absence and publicly reaffirming his commitment to a peaceful electoral process, thereby correcting any negative perceptions.

Dismissing any suggestions that pressing state duties or national-security concerns might have prevented the President from attending, Adebayo asserted that safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic continuity is, in itself, one of the country’s most critical national-security responsibilities. “There’s no more national security than the continuity of the state,” Adebayo declared, emphasizing that credible elections serve as the bedrock of legitimate governance. He reminded that President Tinubu himself owes his office to this very electoral process, stating, “It is this process that made him president,” and thus, should be among the strongest voices defending its integrity.

Adebayo underlined that Tinubu’s physical presence at the accord would have provided crucial reassurance to political parties, candidates, and security agencies as the country prepares for the 2027 elections. He expressed dismay that the President failed to attend an event reportedly scheduled around his convenience, claiming, “Everything was made to accommodate the president, including timing, including date, and he gave word that he was going to be there.” Adebayo framed the President’s absence as fundamentally a moral failure rather than merely a legal issue, asserting that the peace accord presented a personal opportunity for elected leaders to embody the principles they expect their supporters to uphold. He invoked the President’s constitutional duty to provide leadership, drawing a stark contrast between his absence and his inauguration pledge on May 29, 2023, to uphold and defend the Nigerian Constitution. Adebayo concluded by reiterating that political leaders must demonstrate, through their actions, an unwavering commitment to preserving peace, democracy, and the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.