Ahead of the August 15 Governorship election in Osun State, candidates and their political parties have signed a peace accord, committing themselves to a peaceful, free and credible election.
The agreement was signed on Thursday at the Oasis Event Centre in Osogbo during an event organised by the National Peace Committee led by Bishop Matthew Kukah.
Governor Ademola Adeleke attended the ceremony, while some of his major opponents sent representatives.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, was represented by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, alongside his running mate, Engr. Kayode Adereti.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate was represented by the party’s chairman, Azeez Adesiji.
Peace Above Politics
Chairman of the National Peace Committee and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who was represented by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martins Agwai, urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to place peace above political interests.
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He appealed to all contestants to conduct the remaining period of the campaign with restraint, civility and respect for the law.
“We must reject violence, hate speech, misinformation and every action that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
“No electoral victory is worth the loss of a single life, and the greatest achievement for everyone is a peaceful election that reflects the freely expressed will of the people,” he said.
Kukah Urges Candidates to Honour Agreement
After the signing, Bishop Matthew Kukah said endorsing the peace accord was only the first step and urged all candidates and political parties to keep to the commitments they had made.
He expressed confidence that the candidates and their supporters would uphold the agreement throughout the election period.
“We trust that these commitments will guide their words, their actions, and the conduct of their supporters throughout the remainder of the electoral process,” Kukah said.
He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, the media and civil society organisations to play their roles in ensuring a peaceful election.
Kukah urged INEC to remain professional and impartial, while calling on security agencies to carry out their responsibilities fairly, vigilantly and with accountability.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.