Morganable Politics/Elections
Delivering the welcome address on behalf of the committee’s chairman and former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, John Onaiyekan described the accord as a critical milestone in promoting dialogue and building trust among political actors
kaNo —
Candidates of the 14 political parties contesting the August 15 governorship election in Osun State on Thursday signed a peace accord, pledging to conduct their campaigns and the poll itself in a peaceful and orderly manner.
At the ceremony, Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking re-election, personally signed the agreement, while representatives signed on behalf of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Oyebamiji, and that of the African Democratic Congress, Dr Najeem Salaam.
The peace pact, facilitated by the National Peace Committee, is aimed at preventing electoral violence and ensuring a credible democratic process in the state.
Delivering the welcome address on behalf of the committee’s chairman and former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, John Onaiyekan described the accord as a critical milestone in promoting dialogue and building trust among political actors.
“In the name of the National Peace Committee, I am making a special appeal to all political party members here present to abide by the spirit and the letter of the accord that you will now sign,” Onaiyekan said.
“This signing is not just a formality; it is supposed to mean something serious.”he added.
He stressed that democracy thrives when political competition is guided by restraint, civility and adherence to the rule of law, urging candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly in the remaining days of campaigning.
Onaiyekan also underscored the role of key institutions, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in ensuring the success of the electoral process.
“We have confidence in INEC to conduct the election according to the rules and electoral laws, faithfully and without partiality,” he added.
Peace Deal Signals Commitments-INEC
In his remarks, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the signing of the peace accord signalled a collective commitment by political actors to non-violence and mutual respect.
“By signing this Peace Accord, we are not only affirming our dedication to non-violence and mutual respect, we are also sending a powerful message to citizens that democracy thrives when peace prevails,” he said.
Amupitan warned that the commission would not tolerate any attempt to undermine the election through violence or vote buying, stressing that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
“We will not allow the democratic will of the people to be subverted by fear or force. Insecurity is a direct assault on the sanctity of the ballot,” he said.
He disclosed that INEC had completed 11 out of the 13 activities outlined in its timetable for the election, with only the conclusion of campaigns on August 13 and the election itself remaining.
INEC To Deploy Personnel
Providing further details, the INEC chairman said the commission would deploy personnel across the state’s 30 local government areas and the Modakeke Area Office, covering 332 registration areas and 3,763 polling units.
He revealed that the certified voter register contained 2,339,233 eligible voters following the Automated Biometric Identification System exercise. Of these, 322,822 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), representing 62 per cent of newly registered voters, had been collected.
The INEC boss also expressed concern over reports of violence and threats in some parts of the state, noting that the commission had shifted from reactive monitoring to proactive security strategies.
According to him, intelligence-driven operations would be deployed through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, in collaboration with the police and the Armed Forces, to safeguard polling units and collation centres.
“Any attempt to disrupt the election will be met with the full weight of the law,” he reiterated.
AIG Assures Residents Of Adequate Security
Also speaking, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone XI, Akinyele Fasuba, who represented the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, assured residents of adequate security before, during and after the election.
“Police have adequate security on the ground to ensure a free, fair, credible and transparent election in Osun State,” Fasuba said.
He disclosed that personnel had already begun arriving in the state from across the country and assured that the police would remain neutral throughout the process.
“There is no way the police will be accused of siding with any party. We will be impartial,” he added, noting that the same security template used during the Ekiti governorship election earlier in the year would be deployed in Osun.
Governor Adeleke, in his remarks, raised concerns over alleged harassment of members of his party by security operatives, particularly the police, and called for fairness and professionalism in the conduct of the election.
“We call on the police authorities to emulate other security agencies that have been very professional. Police must be impartial,” he said.
The governor emphasised the need for a free and fair election, warning against any form of manipulation.
“We seek free and fair polls where the will of the people will be supreme. Our people will resist rigging in all forms,” Adeleke stated.
Adding a traditional perspective, the Adeyeye Ogunwusi commended INEC for its independence and called on political actors to prioritise peace over personal or partisan interests.
“Osun State is greater than the interests of any individual or political party,” the monarch said, urging candidates and their supporters to shun violence and embrace peaceful coexistence.
The peace accord comes amid heightened political activities in Osun State as candidates intensify their campaigns ahead of the election.
Observers say such agreements have become a key feature of Nigeria’s electoral process, serving as a moral and political commitment by stakeholders to uphold democratic principles.
Analysts note, however, that while the signing of peace accords is commendable, their effectiveness ultimately depends on the willingness of political actors to abide by their provisions and the ability of institutions to enforce compliance.
With just weeks to the poll, attention now shifts to how the commitments made at the peace accord will translate into conduct on the ground, as voters prepare to choose their next governor in what is expected to be a closely watched contest.
