Osun Governorship Candidates Sign Peace Accord Ahead of August 15, 2026 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 contenders signed a peace accord aimed at ensuring a peaceful poll.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of the fourteen political parties fielding candidates. Those unable to appear in person were represented by party officials.
Oyebamiji was represented by his running mate, Kayode Adereti, alongside other APC leaders. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Najeem Salam, also had party officials, including the state chairman, stand in for him.
The accord was organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC) in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Notable witnesses included NPC convener Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Inspector‑General of Police’s representative Assistant Inspector‑General Fasuba Olabode, and INEC Chairman Prof. Ojo Amupitan.
Traditional rulers, led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, were also present, adding weight to the call for calm.
In his opening remarks, former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Cardinal John Onaiyekan urged all political actors and stakeholders to uphold the terms of the accord and guarantee a free, fair and credible election.
The police representative assured residents that officers assigned to election duties had already begun arriving in the state and that only recognised security agencies would be permitted to operate during the poll.
INEC Chairman Amupitan praised the NPC’s initiative, stating that the commission is working with anti‑graft agencies and the Office of the Attorney‑General of the Federation to combat vote‑buying. He warned that anyone attempting to buy or sell votes — whether with cash or digital transfers — would be arrested and prosecuted under the Electoral Act 2026.
The Ooni of Ife appealed to citizens not to be used as instruments of violence or electoral malpractice, reminding them that power resides with the people and that Osun’s interests transcend any individual political rivalry.
