Fourteen political parties contesting the Osun governorship election have signed the Osun peace accord, pledging to prevent violence before, during and after the August 15 poll.
According to Vanguard, the National Peace Committee organised the signing ceremony on Thursday, with its convener, Matthew Kukah, presiding over the event. Candidates and party representatives committed themselves to peaceful campaigns, respect for electoral laws and responsible conduct throughout the election period.
Chairman of the committee and former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar described the agreement as an important step towards a credible and inclusive election. Former Chief of Army Staff Martin Agwai represented him at the ceremony.
Abubakar urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns with restraint and respect for the rule of law. He warned that political competition should never become an excuse for violence or actions capable of threatening lives.
“We gather today in the firm belief that democracy flourishes when political competition is guided by peace, restraint and respect for the rule of law,” he said.
He explained that the National Peace Committee had spent more than a decade bringing political leaders and other stakeholders together. Its work, he said, seeks to promote dialogue, build trust and reinforce peaceful participation in elections.
Osun peace accord targets violence and misinformation
Abubakar called on the parties to reject violence, hate speech and misinformation as campaigns intensify across Osun State. He said such actions could weaken public confidence in the electoral process and create unnecessary tension among supporters.
“No electoral victory is worth the loss of a single life,” he said. “The greatest victory we can achieve is a peaceful election that reflects the freely expressed will of the people.”
Kukah said the candidates had made a solemn commitment by signing the agreement. He expressed hope that the promises would guide their public statements, campaign activities and the behaviour of their supporters.
However, the cleric stressed that politicians alone could not guarantee a peaceful election. He said electoral officials, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, the media and civil society organisations also had important responsibilities.
Kukah urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to remain professional and impartial. He also asked security agencies to act fairly, remain vigilant and account for their conduct throughout the poll.
Traditional and religious leaders should continue encouraging reconciliation, while journalists and civil society groups should promote responsible public discussions, he added.
Security agencies promise neutral operation
A member of the committee, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, said the accord was designed to ensure that campaigns remained peaceful. He urged every candidate and political party to treat the document seriously rather than view the signing ceremony as a formality.
Onaiyekan also stressed that INEC and security agencies must fulfil their responsibilities for the agreement to achieve its purpose.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu assured residents that the police had made arrangements to secure the election. Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone XI, Fasuba Olabode, represented him at the ceremony.
Disu said officers had started arriving from neighbouring states to support security operations across Osun. He promised that the police would remain neutral and work towards a free, fair and credible election.
The police chief also urged residents not to panic over the increased presence of security personnel. He said the deployment was intended to protect voters, electoral officials, election materials and polling locations.
INEC urges candidates to honour commitment
INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan praised the National Peace Committee for supporting democratic stability through its interventions.
Amupitan said the Osun peace accord represented more than a ceremonial document. He described it as a moral promise made before residents of the state and the international community.
“By signing this accord, we affirm our dedication to non-violence and mutual respect, while sending a clear message that democracy thrives when peace prevails,” he said.
The INEC chairman urged parties, candidates and their supporters to respect both the wording and purpose of the agreement throughout the election.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke said he attended the ceremony because of his respect for the peace process. However, he expressed concern about growing political tension in the state.
Adeleke urged candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to embrace peace throughout the election period. He said political differences should not lead to violence or endanger residents.
Ooni warns voters against inducement
The Ooni of Ile-Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, also appealed to political actors to reject violence and allow residents to vote freely.
The monarch warned voters against accepting money or other inducements in exchange for their choices. He urged the electorate to protect their conscience and consider the future of the state when casting their ballots.
Ogunwusi said peaceful participation remained essential to producing a credible result and maintaining stability after the election.
The signing places responsibility on the 14 participating parties to control their supporters and avoid inflammatory statements as the August 15 election approaches.
The National Peace Committee expects the agreement to encourage issue-based campaigns and ensure that disputes are resolved through lawful channels rather than violence.
