Osun Election: APC, ADC Absent as 12 Parties Sign Peace Accord Ahead of August 15 Poll
Twelve of the fourteen political parties participating in the August 15 Osun State governorship election signed Peace and Accountability Charters on Thursday, committing to issue‑based campaigns and democratic principles ahead of the poll.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) were noticeably absent from the summit held in Osogbo. Neither their candidates nor representatives attended the ceremony.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking re‑election under the Accord Party banner, was represented by the Commissioner for Industry, Bunmi Jenyo, who signed the charters on his behalf.
Other parties that endorsed the documents include the Action Alliance, African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Party (ADP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Young Progressive Party (YPP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji and ADC candidate Najeem Salaam did not attend the summit or send representatives were not represented at the signing.
Charter Emphasises Peace and Accountability
Dr Segun Aina, Chairman of the Osun Development Association, described the Peace and Accountability Charters as vital commitments to ensure peaceful elections and responsible governance. His remarks were delivered by Dr Tunji Olugbodi.
The charter obliges parties and candidates to reject violence, pursue issue‑based campaigns, respect electoral institutions, protect voters’ rights, resolve disputes lawfully and maintain peace after results are announced.
“Every party and every candidate that signs this Charter today does so publicly, before the people of Osun State,” Aina said.
He praised the participating parties, noting that their presence signals respect for the democratic process and a belief that elections are won through ideas, not intimidation.
Aina also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission and Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner Oluwatoyin Babalola to guarantee a transparent, free and credible election, and urged security agencies to protect voters, officials and election materials throughout the process.
Governor Adeleke’s Goodwill Message
In a goodwill message delivered by Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peaceful, free and credible elections across the state.
He stressed that political actors must prioritise citizens’ lives over political ambitions, stating, “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.”
Representatives of the participating parties also addressed the summit, assuring stakeholders of their readiness to comply with electoral laws and contribute to a peaceful electoral process.
The summit formed part of broader efforts by civil society organisations and election stakeholders to strengthen democratic accountability, encourage peaceful political engagement and promote electoral integrity ahead of the governorship election.
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