Osun election peace accord will see Adeleke, Oyebamiji and other candidates commit to peaceful campaigns ahead of the 2026 governorship poll
The Osun Development Association (ODA), a group representing Osun indigenes in the diaspora, has announced plans for governorship candidates in the state’s 2026 election to sign a peace accord aimed at promoting a peaceful and credible electoral process.
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The planned agreement will involve major contenders, including incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, All Progressives Congress candidate Bola Oyebamiji, Action Alliance candidate Olanrewaju Farinloye, African Democratic Congress candidate Najeem Salaam and African Action Congress candidate Esan Olajide.
ODA said the initiative became necessary because of growing political tension in the state and the need to prevent violence before, during and after the election.
Chairman of the association’s Leadership and Governance Committee, Dr Tunji Olugbodi, announced the plan while unveiling arrangements for the Osun 2026 Democratic Governance, Peace and Electoral Integrity Summit scheduled to hold in Osogbo.
“Osun State is at a critical democratic crossroads,” Olugbodi said, adding that the summit was designed to encourage issue-based campaigns and move political discussions away from rising tensions ahead of the August governorship election.
The event, themed “Speak, Choose, Hold Accountable: Citizens at the Centre of Osun’s Democracy,” is expected to bring together political parties, candidates, civil society organisations, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to discuss ways of strengthening electoral confidence.
The Osun election peace accord is intended to encourage candidates and their supporters to commit to peaceful conduct, respect democratic rules and resolve disputes through lawful channels rather than confrontation.
ODA Chairman Dr Segun Aina said broad participation from all stakeholders would be essential to ensuring that the election reflects the wishes of residents while maintaining stability across the state.
Political tensions around elections in Nigeria have often led to concerns over violence, voter intimidation and disputes over results.
Previous election cycles have seen increased calls from civil society groups and community organisations for candidates to publicly commit to peaceful campaigns.
ODA said Osun has an opportunity to demonstrate that political competition can be conducted through dialogue, accountability and respect for democratic institutions.
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The association expressed confidence that the summit and the proposed agreement could help establish a stronger culture of peaceful participation while giving citizens a greater role in shaping the state’s political future.
