The Presidency has refuted claims made by Catholic Bishop Matthew Kukah regarding President Bola Tinubu’s participation in the Peace Accord signing. The Senior Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, stated that accusations suggesting President Tinubu refused to sign the Peace Accord are inaccurate.
Bishop Kukah, Co-Chairman of the National Peace Committee, had mentioned during the Edo Election Security Townhall in Benin that political candidates are not legally bound to sign the Peace Accord. He highlighted past instances, such as the 2019 election, where key candidates, including Atiku Abubakar, initially skipped the signing but later participated.
However, Onanuga clarified that President Tinubu had indeed signed the Peace Accords in 2023. He explained that Tinubu was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the signing of the first accord on September 29, 2022, which committed candidates to ensuring a free and credible election. The second accord, signed on February 23, 2023, committed candidates to accepting the election results, and President Tinubu signed this agreement personally.
Onanuga’s statement, shared via his X handle, asserts that President Tinubu’s participation in both peace accords was consistent with his commitment to a fair electoral process and respectful acceptance of election outcomes.