2027: APC will shun violence, hate speech — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has pledged the commitment of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to a peaceful, transparent and issue-based campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Tinubu made the commitment on Tuesday in Abuja at the signing of the National Peace Accord by presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 elections. He was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

The President commended the National Peace Committee (NPC), led by former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, for its efforts since 2014 to promote peaceful elections and encourage political parties and candidates to commit to non-violent campaigns.

He said Nigeria had made significant progress in election management since the return to democracy in 1999, particularly through the deployment of technology by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to him, the introduction of the Permanent Voter Cards and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System has helped reduce electoral malpractice, including ballot stuffing, vote manipulation and ballot box snatching.

“These improvements have restored power to the voters, who are now sure that their vote will count. Politicians are now more accountable to the people because votes count,” Tinubu said.

He cited the recent off-cycle governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun states as evidence of the country’s growing electoral maturity, saying the polls were described by local and international observers as free, credible and transparent.

The President said the signing of the peace accord should serve as a commitment by political leaders to place national interest above personal and partisan ambitions.