Governor Adeleke, APC Candidate Oyebamiji and 12 Others Sign Osun Election Peace Accord
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 ahead of the poll.
Who Attended the Signing Ceremony?
The event brought together representatives of the 14 political parties contesting the election. Notable attendees included the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) standard‑bearer Adewale Adebayo and the African Action Congress (AAC) candidate Olajide Esan. Candidates who could not be present were represented by party officials.
Oyebamiji was represented by his running mate, Kayode Adereti, and other APC leaders, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate Najeem Salam appeared through party officials, including the state chairman.
Key Witnesses and Their Messages
The signing was witnessed by the National Peace Committee convener, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah; the Inspector‑General of Police, represented by Assistant Inspector‑General Fasuba Olabode of Zone XI; and INEC Chairman Prof. Ojo Amupitan. Traditional rulers, led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, also attended.
Religious Appeal for Peace
In his opening remarks, former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Cardinal John Onaiyekan urged political actors and stakeholders to take responsibility for ensuring a free, fair and credible election.
“There is a need to embrace a peaceful poll. This election will go. I urge you to respect all the dictates of the Peace Accord you are all signing today.”
— Cardinal John Onaiyekan
Police Assurance
The IGP’s representative assured residents that the police would act professionally before, during and after the election. He disclosed that officers assigned to election duties had already begun arriving in the state.
“Don’t entertain any fear. Police have started entering the state for election duty. Only the recognised security agencies will be allowed for election duties. All things will go well before, during, and after the election.”
— Fasuba Olabode, AIG‑Zone XI
INEC’s Commitment
INEC Chairman Prof. Ojo Amupitan commended the National Peace Committee for the initiative, stating that the accord would support the commission’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.
“We are attacking vote‑buying head‑on. In direct synergy with the EFCC and ICPC and the Office of the Attorney‑General of the Federation, plainclothes financial intelligence officers will saturate polling unit perimeters. Anyone attempting to buy or sell votes, whether through physical cash or digital transfers, will be arrested and prosecuted under the Electoral Act 2026.”
— Prof. Ojo Amupitan, INEC Chairman
Traditional Ruler’s Appeal
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, appealed to residents not to allow politicians to use them to perpetrate violence or electoral malpractice. He emphasized that power belongs to the people and warned against becoming victims of political rivalries.
“Power belongs to the people; power is in the hands of all of us. So I want to appeal to each and every one of us. We do not want violence.”
— Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife
The monarch expressed concern over rising political tension in the state and warned that political gladiators often align and realign, leaving the populace to bear the consequences. He reminded everyone that Osun is bigger than any individual politician.
