Osun parties sign peace accord ahead of August governorship election

Political parties contesting the August 15 Osun governorship election have signed a peace accord, with election officials and the National Peace Committee warning candidates and supporters against violence.

The signing took place on Thursday ahead of the poll. Reports said 14 political parties were involved, including the Accord candidate and incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, while representatives signed for APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji and ADC candidate Najeem Salaam.

The National Peace Committee, led by former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar, organised the accord. John Cardinal Onaiyekan and other committee representatives urged parties to keep their campaigns peaceful and avoid conduct that could undermine public confidence in the election.

INEC also warned that anyone who tries to disrupt the process would face the law. The message was aimed at political actors and supporters as campaigning enters its final stretch.

The Osun poll has already drawn security attention after earlier warnings and allegations around election violence and vote buying. The accord gives parties a public commitment to restraint, but the real test will be how candidates, agents and supporters behave before and during voting.

Sources: Punch, Premium Times