The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for being absent from the signing of the National Peace Accord ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Adebayo said Tinubu’s absence undermined the essence of the peace accord process, arguing that the President’s decision to stay away sent the wrong signal about the commitment of political leaders to peaceful elections.

He stated this on Channels Television’s Politics Today, monitored by TRIBUNE ONLINE on Tuesday.

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The SDP candidate said the absence of the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was particularly significant because the accord was designed to secure commitments from political actors to peaceful and issue-based campaigns.

Tinubu was represented at the signing ceremony in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, while Adebayo and other presidential candidates including NDC’s Peter Obi attended the event.

Adebayo argued that political leaders should personally demonstrate their commitment to agreements designed to promote peaceful elections rather than rely on representatives.

He said the peace accord would have greater meaning if political leaders respected both its spirit and provisions throughout the electoral process.

The National Peace Committee, chaired by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, said the accord commits political parties and candidates to issue-based campaigns, respect for opposing views, peaceful mobilisation of supporters and rejection of hate speech, misinformation, intimidation and violence.

Adebayo had also warned that political violence, inflammatory rhetoric and intimidation could undermine the credibility of the 2027 elections, stressing that the electoral process begins long before election day.

He said political actors must demonstrate through their conduct that they are committed to peaceful and credible elections, rather than merely signing agreements.