14 Osun Governorship Candidates Sign Peace Accord Ahead Of August Poll

Political parties and candidates participating in the August 15 Osun State governorship election on Thursday signed a peace accord in Osogbo, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) urging them to uphold both the spirit and letter of the agreement to ensure a peaceful and credible poll.

The peace accord was signed at a ceremony attended by Cardinal John Onaiyekan, member of the National Peace Committee; the committee’s convener, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah; governorship candidates and their running mates, political party leaders, security chiefs, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the accord was a commitment to peaceful conduct and should not be treated as a mere formality.

Amupitan urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to strictly adhere to both the letter and spirit of the agreement, adding, “By signing this Peace Accord today, we are not only affirming our dedication to non-violence and mutual respect among all political actors, but we are also sending a powerful, unambiguous message to our citizens that democracy thrives when peace prevails. Each of us has a sacred role to play”.

Also speaking, Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who was represented by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martins Agwai, appealed to all governorship candidates and their supporters to conduct the remainder of their campaigns with restraint, civility and respect for the law. He urged them to reject violence, hate speech, misinformation and every action capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.

In his closing remarks, the convener of the National Peace Committee, Bishop Kukah, said the signing of the peace accord represented a public reaffirmation before the people of Osun State and the nation of the commitment of political actors to conduct themselves with restraint, respect for the rule of law and fidelity to democratic principles.

Governor Ademola Adeleke, who alleged that his administration and members of the Accord Party had faced violence and intimidation in recent months, called for impartial policing, a fair and just electoral process, and respect for the will of the voters.

The APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, was represented by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, and his deputy, Engr. Kayode Adereti, while the ADC candidate was represented by the party’s chairman, Azeez Adesiji.