Candidates contesting the August 15 Osun State governorship election and their political parties have signed a peace accord aimed at ensuring a peaceful, free and credible poll.
The agreement, facilitated by the National Peace Committee led by Bishop Matthew Kukah, was signed on Thursday at the Oasis Event Centre in Osogbo.
Governor Ademola Adeleke attended the event in person, while the All Progressives Congress, APC 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.
Speaking on behalf of the committee’s chairman, former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Martins Agwai urged political parties, candidates and supporters to prioritize peace over politics.
He called on all stakeholders to reject violence, hate speech, misinformation and any actions capable of undermining 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,” Agwai said.
After the signing, Bishop Matthew Kukah reminded candidates that the agreement was only meaningful if they honoured its provisions throughout the election period.
He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, the media and civil society organisations to play their respective roles in ensuring a peaceful election.
Kukah called on INEC to remain professional and impartial, while urging security agencies to act fairly, vigilantly and accountably during the electoral process.
