2027: Tinubu signs peace accord, warns against AI-driven misinformation

President Bola Tinubu has called on political parties and candidates to eschew ethnic, religious, and other primordial sentiments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking at the official signing of the Peace Accord in Abuja, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu stressed that political campaigns must serve to strengthen, not fracture, the nation's social cohesion.

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In the spirit of the accord we have just signed, we must conduct ourselves in ways that strengthen, not tear, the fabric of our society.

Tinubu acknowledged that political disagreements are natural in a democracy but cautioned against allowing electoral contests to threaten national unity. "In the spirit of the accord we have just signed, we must conduct ourselves in ways that strengthen, not tear, the fabric of our society," he stated. He urged political actors to focus on a contest of ideas, policies, and programs that can improve citizens' lives and advance national development, rather than resorting to divisive tactics.

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It is natural during campaigns to disagree as opponents and advocate competing governing visions for our country. We may exchange occasional political jabs. But as members of the same household, the same national family, we must never resort to divisive or primordial sentiments of ethnicity or religion as tools for seeking power.

Reaffirming the commitment of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the accord, President Tinubu declared the party's rejection of violence, hate speech, and the use of artificial intelligence for misinformation. "Our party rejects violence, hate speech, the spread of misinformation, including through artificial intelligence, and all forms of incitement, especially via social media," he said. He encouraged other political parties and actors to embrace peaceful and transparent elections, emphasizing that Nigeria's stability, harmony, economic progress, and prosperity are paramount. Tinubu reminded participants that elections should not be a "do-or-die affair," highlighting that political rivals are ultimately partners in nation-building, with Nigeria being the ultimate winner regardless of individual outcomes.

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Let us campaign on superior ideas. Let us debate issues and promote the best policies to expand opportunities for our people and accelerate Nigeria’s journey from a developing nation to a first-world country.