Adebayo Faults Tinubu’s Absence At Peace Accord Signing

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has faulted President Bola Tinubu for failing to personally attend the signing of an electoral peace accord, warning that his absence sends a troubling signal about the government’s commitment to peaceful, free and credible elections.

Adebayo argued that the President, as the nation’s highest political authority and a direct beneficiary of Nigeria’s electoral process, had a duty to personally lead political actors in demonstrating a commitment to peace, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

Speaking shortly after the signing ceremony, the SDP candidate said Tinubu’s presence would have sent a powerful message to political parties, candidates, security agencies and the electorate that the Federal Government was serious about preventing electoral violence and protecting the integrity of the vote.

“President Tinubu not showing up today is showing that he’s not committed to peace,” Adebayo declared.

He warned that the President’s absence could have implications beyond the ceremony itself, particularly in how government officials and security personnel perceive the administration’s attitude towards electoral peace.

“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,” he said.

Adebayo called on Tinubu to personally address the concerns arising from his absence by explaining why he stayed away and publicly reaffirming his commitment to a peaceful electoral process.

“He needs to correct that by making a clear statement, explaining why he’s absent, and making sure that he makes a statement, commit himself to the peace,” he said.

‘There’s No Greater National Security Than the Survival of Democracy’ — Adebayo Dismisses Excuses

The SDP presidential candidate rejected suggestions that pressing state duties or national-security concerns might have prevented the President from attending the ceremony.

Instead, he argued that safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic continuity is 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.

He maintained that credible elections are the bedrock of legitimate governance, stressing that Tinubu himself owes his office to the electoral process.

“It is this process that made him president, process of election,” he said, arguing that the President, having ascended to office through the ballot, should be among the strongest voices defending its integrity.

Adebayo said 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.

“It is good for you as a leader to signal that we believe in a society, we believe in peace as a process,” he said.

He further questioned why the President failed to attend an event that, according to him, had reportedly been scheduled around the President’s convenience.

“Everything was made to accommodate the president, including timing, including date, and he gave word that he was going to be there,” Adebayo claimed.

‘It’s Personal to You’ — Adebayo Frames Absence as a Moral Failure

The SDP candidate insisted that the peace accord was not merely a ceremonial gathering but an opportunity for political leaders to personally embody the principles they expect their supporters to uphold.

“It’s something that is personal to you because you are the one elected, you are the one who will commit,” he said.

He framed the controversy as fundamentally a question of moral responsibility rather than legality, invoking the President’s constitutional duty to provide leadership.

“It is a moral issue, not a legal issue,” Adebayo said.

According to him, Tinubu’s absence also contrasts with the President’s inauguration pledge on May 29, 2023, to uphold and defend the Nigerian Constitution.

Adebayo maintained that political leaders must demonstrate through their actions that they are committed to preserving peace, democracy and the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.