Bishop Kukah Highlights Tinubu’s Absence from Peace Accord
Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has revealed that President Bola Tinubu did not sign the peace accord in 2023 when he was a presidential candidate. Speaking at the Edo Election Security Townhall in Benin City, Kukah, who is part of the National Peace Committee led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, stated that Tinubu’s absence raised concerns about the commitment of political candidates to peaceful elections.
Peace Accord Not Legally Binding
According to Bishop Kukah, the peace accord, which has become a routine electoral practice, is a moral, not legal, obligation. He noted that while the National Peace Committee encourages candidates to sign the accord, they cannot compel any individual or party to do so. Kukah emphasised that not signing the peace pact could send a wrong message to the electorate, which opposing parties could exploit during campaigns.
Opposition Can Use Non-Signature to Their Advantage
Kukah cited the 2019 election, where former PDP candidate Atiku Abubakar initially missed the peace accord signing, leading to negative media coverage. However, Atiku later signed the accord. In Tinubu’s case, the clergyman remarked that the opposition did not capitalise on his absence during the 2023 campaign, a situation that could have been politically advantageous.
Tinubu’s Absence Raises Concerns
The clergyman expressed his concern that Tinubu’s failure to sign the accord may have sent a negative signal to Nigerians, despite it not being a legal requirement. Kukah added that this absence could have had a more significant impact had the opposition used it as a talking point during the campaign period.
Peace Accords Are Moral, Not Legal
Reiterating that the peace accord is not part of the Electoral Act, Kukah explained that it is intended to foster peace and goodwill among candidates. He stated that political parties and candidates need to demonstrate moral leadership during elections, stressing that peace agreements help create a stable political environment.
Political Impact and Future Considerations
As the 2027 elections approach, Kukah highlighted the importance of signing peace accords to reassure the public of candidates’ commitment to peaceful and fair elections. The National Peace Committee will continue its efforts to promote peace during election periods, although the decision to sign remains voluntary for all candidates.
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