Osun Governorship Candidates Sign Peace Accord Ahead of August 15 Election
Seventeen days before the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election, Governor Ademola Adeleke, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji and twelve other candidates have signed a peace accord. The agreement was facilitated by the National Peace Committee (NPC) in partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Key Figures Present at the Ceremony
The signing ceremony was attended by representatives of the 14 political parties contesting the election. Candidates who could not be present were represented by party officials. Notable attendees included:
- Allied Peoples Movement (APM) standard‑bearer Adewale Adebayo
- African Action Congress (AAC) candidate Olajide Esan
- Kayode Adereti, running mate of Oyebamiji, representing the APC
- Party officials representing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate Najeem Salam
Statements from Religious and Traditional Leaders
Former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, opened the event by urging all political actors to uphold the peace accord and ensure a free, fair and credible election.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, appealed to residents not to be used by politicians to foment violence or electoral malpractice, reminding everyone that “power belongs to the people.”
Police and INEC Assurances
The Inspector‑General of Police’s representative, Assistant Inspector‑General Fasuba Olabode, assured the public that police officers had already begun deploying to Osun State and would act professionally before, during and after the election.
INEC Chairman Prof. Ojo Amupitan commended the NPC’s initiative, stating that the accord would support INEC’s efforts to conduct a peaceful election. He added that the commission is collaborating with anti‑graft agencies and the Office of the Attorney‑General of the Federation to combat vote‑buying, deploying plainclothes financial intelligence officers around polling units.
Ooni of Ife’s Appeal for Peace
Oba Ogunwusi warned against rising political tension, noting that political gladiators often shift alliances while citizens bear the brunt. He emphasised that Osun State is greater than any individual politician and urged residents to reject violence.
