Candidates from the 14 political parties running in the Osun governorship election on August 15 signed a peace agreement on Thursday to demonstrate their commitment to a peaceful election.
At the event, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, seeking reelection on the platform of the Accord, signed the document, while representatives of the candidates of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Oyebamiji and Dr Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress, signed on their behalf.
John Cardinal Onaiyekan, who delivered the welcome remarks on behalf of the Chairman of the National Peace Committee and former Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), said the accord represented another important milestone in the committee’s longstanding efforts to promote dialogue, build trust and ensure that political competition does not become a trigger for violence.
Onaiyekan further said democracy flourishes when political competition is guided by peace, restraint and respect for the rule of law, urging political actors to conduct the remainder of their campaigns with civility and responsibility.
He said, “In the name of the National Peace Committee, I am making my special appeal to all the political party members here present to abide by the spirit and the letter of the accord that you will now sign. 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.
“We must also add that apart from the political parties who will be involved in the election, the peaceful outcome of the election process also depends a lot on two other groups of agents.
“First, the INEC, the Independent National Electoral Commission, whose national chairman is here. And in the name of the Peace Committee, I greet you. I congratulate you.
“I assure you of our confidence in you that you will do a good job and actually make sure that the election process is done according to the rules and the electoral laws, faithfully, without partiality. And it is because of that that you will also be party to the signature.”
Addressing the gathering, the chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan, said by signing the Peace Accord, the candidates were not only affirming 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.”
Amupitan called on all political parties, candidates, and supporters to strictly adhere to the letter and spirit of the agreement.
He warned that anyone attempting to disrupt the August 15 governorship election or engage in vote buying would face the full weight of the law.
He said the commission had completed 11 of the 13 activities on its election timetable, with only the end of campaigns on August 13 and election day remaining.
“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.
The INEC chairman disclosed that the commission would deploy personnel across the state’s 30 local government areas and the Modakeke Area Office, covering 332 registration areas and 3,763 polling units.
