President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that ethical leadership and strong institutions remain the surest path to peace, justice and sustainable development, warning that political polarisation and misinformation threaten global stability.
The President made the assertion on Friday at the Global Council for Political Renewal (GCPR) Conference in Cape Town, where he was represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
Addressing delegates, President Tinubu said ethical political conduct is no longer optional in a divided and fast-changing world.
“We are living in a time of deep political and ideological polarisation, where misinformation spreads faster than truth,” he stated. “The challenge before us is how to protect free expression while restoring responsibility, civility and trust in public discourse.”
Presenting Nigeria’s position on good governance, institutional reforms and human rights, the President said his administration is prioritising transparency, accountability and institutional performance under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Public office is a trust,” he said. “Our reforms are focused on modernising institutions, reducing leakages, and ensuring that governance decisions improve the daily lives of citizens.”
He emphasised that political renewal requires sustained commitment, not episodic action.
“Political renewal is not a single event,” the President said. “It is a continuous effort to build institutions, protect democratic space, and deliver real value to the people.”
Highlighting domestic reforms, President Tinubu pointed to ongoing people-centred social and economic interventions, youth-focused policies and efforts to guide the responsible use of technology, including digital platforms.
On the global stage, he reaffirmed Nigeria’s alignment with the founding ideals of the GCPR, which promote dialogue, justice and peace across nations, stressing that international cooperation is critical amid global economic uncertainty and security challenges.
“No country is immune to these pressures,” he said, noting that sustained dialogue and partnership remain essential for global stability.
The President further stated that Nigeria stands ready to contribute meaningfully to efforts aimed at developing a global roadmap for ethics, justice, peace and development, drawing from its experience as a diverse democracy committed to unity and inclusion.
Dignitaries at the conference included the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini and President of the GCPR, Russell Mmiso Dlamini, Secretary-General of the GCPR, Furio Honsell, President of East Timor, José Ramos-Horta, and President of the National Assembly of the Central African Republic, Simplice Mathew Sarandji, among other dignitaries.
Boluwatife Enome
