2027: Tinubu Warns Politicians Against Using Ethnic, Religious Sentiments to Seek Power

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged political parties, candidates and other stakeholders participating in the 2027 general elections to avoid exploiting ethnic, religious and other primordial sentiments for political advantage.

Tinubu made the appeal on Tuesday in Abuja during the signing of the Peace Accord ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The President was represented at the ceremony by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

Tinubu acknowledged that political disagreements and competing visions were natural aspects of democratic contests but warned that such differences should not be allowed to threaten national unity.

He urged political actors to conduct their campaigns in a manner that strengthens the country’s social fabric rather than creating divisions among Nigerians.

According to the President, political opponents may disagree and engage in legitimate debates over policies and governance, but they must avoid using ethnicity and religion as instruments for securing political power.

“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,” he said.

Tinubu called on the candidates and parties to make the 2027 election a competition based on ideas, policies and programmes that address the challenges confronting Nigerians.

He encouraged political actors to present practical solutions capable of expanding economic opportunities and improving the living standards of citizens.

“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,” the President said.

He also reaffirmed his commitment, as well as that of the All Progressives Congress, to the principles and obligations contained in the Peace Accord.

Tinubu said the ruling party would conduct its campaign in a manner that promotes peace, stability and national cohesion throughout the electoral period.

The President’s appeal comes as political parties and candidates prepare for the commencement of public campaigns for the 2027 general elections.

The Peace Accord is intended to encourage responsible political conduct and reduce the risk of violence, hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric during the election cycle.

The President urged all signatories to honour their commitments and place Nigeria’s interests above personal and partisan ambitions.

He stressed that political competition should strengthen democracy rather than deepen divisions among citizens.