Osun Peace Summit sees 12 parties sign peace and accountability charters, while APC and ADC candidates are absent ahead of the governorship election
Twelve of the 14 political parties contesting the Osun State governorship election have endorsed peace and accountability commitments, while the candidates of the All Progressives Congress and African Democratic Congress were absent from the signing ceremony held in Osogbo on Thursday.
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The Osun Peace Summit was organised by the Osun Development Association to encourage peaceful campaigns, respect for democratic processes and responsible leadership ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The Peace and Accountability Charters were signed by representatives of participating parties as part of efforts to reduce electoral tensions and promote issue-based campaigns across the state.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking a second term on the platform of the Accord party, was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Industry, Bunmi Jenyo, who signed the documents on his behalf.
Representatives of the Action Alliance, African Action Congress, African Democratic Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Allied Peoples Movement, Action Peoples Party, Boot Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Peoples Redemption Party, Young Progressive Party and Zenith Labour Party also signed the charters.
However, the governorship candidates of the APC and ADC, Bola Oyebamiji and Najeem Salaam, respectively, did not attend the summit, and no representatives from either party participated in the signing exercise.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Osun Development Association, Dr Segun Aina, described the documents as an important commitment towards ensuring peaceful elections and accountable governance.
“The Peace Charter required political parties and candidates to reject violence, focus on issue-based campaigns, respect electoral institutions, protect voters, pursue legal channels for election disputes and maintain peace after the declaration of results,” Aina said in an address delivered by Dr Tunji Olugbodi.
He praised the parties that participated, saying their attendance demonstrated respect for democratic values.
“Your presence here today is itself a statement. It signals that you respect the democratic process. It signals that you understand that elections are won through ideas and not intimidation,” Aina said.
The association also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to ensure a transparent, credible and peaceful election process.
The Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola, was urged to uphold electoral standards, while security agencies were encouraged to protect citizens before, during and after the poll.
In a goodwill message delivered by Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peaceful elections.
“Our belief is simply that no political ambition is worth the blood of any citizen and no office is more valuable than the life of a single man, woman or child,” Adeleke said.
Representatives of the participating parties pledged to comply with electoral laws and contribute to a credible governorship election.
The August 15 contest will feature 14 political parties, with Adeleke seeking re-election under the Accord platform, while Oyebamiji represents the APC and Salaam flies the flag of the ADC.
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The summit comes as political parties intensify preparations for the election, with civil society groups and stakeholders continuing efforts to promote peaceful participation, democratic accountability and electoral integrity in Osun State.
