With just over two weeks to the Osun governorship election, political parties have committed to a peaceful contest after signing a peace accord in Osogbo.
The agreement, facilitated by the National Peace Committee, commits candidates of the 14 participating parties to a violence-free election and responsible campaigns.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party signed the document, while representatives of APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and ADC candidate Najeem Salaam signed on their behalf.
Representing the committee’s chairman, former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Cardinal John Onaiyekan urged political actors to respect the agreement and avoid actions capable of threatening the peace of the state.
“This signing of the accord is not just a formality or a ritual; it is supposed to mean something serious, that we take this matter seriously”, Onaiyekan said.
He added, “Democracy flourishes when political competition is guided by peace, restraint and respect for the rule of law”.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, said the peace accord reflected the candidates’ commitment to a credible election.
“By signing this Peace Accord, we are not only affirming our dedication to non-violence and mutual respect, but we are also sending a powerful, unambiguous message to our citizens: that democracy thrives when peace prevails”, he said.
Amupitan warned that the commission would not allow the electoral process to be disrupted.
“We will not allow the democratic will of the people to be subverted by fear or force. Insecurity is a direct assault on the sanctity of the ballot”, he said.
He added that anyone attempting to disrupt the August 15 election or engage in vote-buying would face the full weight of the law.
The INEC chairman said the commission had completed most of its preparations for the poll, with over 2.3 million registered voters expected to participate across 3,763 polling units in Osun State.
Security agencies also assured residents of adequate protection before, during and after the election, promising to remain neutral throughout the process.
