Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, 14 political parties have signed a peace accord, pledging to conduct peaceful campaigns and ensure a violence-free poll.
The ceremony, however, was overshadowed by allegations from Governor Ademola Adeleke, who accused security operatives of backing a sustained campaign of intimidation against his administration and supporters.
Adeleke claimed that members of his party had been subjected to attacks and harassment over the past three months.
Representatives of all governorship candidates attended the peace accord ceremony, which was convened by the National Peace Committee (NPC) as part of efforts to promote credible and peaceful elections.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, called on political parties, candidates, and their supporters to honour both the letter and the spirit of the peace accord, stressing that peaceful conduct before, during, and after the election is essential to the credibility of the electoral process.
“By signing this Peace Accord today, we are not only affirming our dedication to non-violence and mutual respect among all political actors, but we are also sending a powerful, unambiguous message to our citizens: that democracy thrives when peace prevails.”
Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s preparedness for the August 15 governorship election, urging political parties and candidates to ensure that the principles of the peace accord are embraced at every level of their campaign structures, from ward executives and polling agents to grassroots supporters.
He called on all stakeholders to reject violence, refrain from inflammatory rhetoric, and allow the will of the electorate to prevail through the ballot box.
In his remarks, Governor Ademola Adeleke disclosed that he had considered boycotting the peace accord ceremony, citing what he described as a wave of violence that has engulfed Osun State in recent months.
He alleged that the attacks were carried out on the instructions of former governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola.
“My presence is due to my very deep respect for our peace leaders here present. Our gathering is to endorse peace, but my government and people are facing police-sanctioned violence and intimidation.
“War is being waged actively against my people by the Osun APC, openly supported by the Osun State Police Command,” Adeleke alleged.
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, appealed to political parties to eschew violence, reminding them that power belongs to God and ultimately to the people.
Speaking on behalf of the NPC, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, called on all governorship candidates to respect the peace accord and ensure a peaceful atmosphere before, during, and after the election.
