Osun poll: APC, ADC snub peace pact, Adeleke signs

Political leaders from 12 out of the 14 parties competing in the upcoming August 15 governorship election in Osun State signed peace and accountability charters at a summit in Osogbo, the state capital. The event, organized by the Osun Development Association, aimed to promote non-violence, issue-based campaigning, and respect for electoral institutions ahead of the polls. The summit saw the signing of two key documents: the Osun 2026 Election Peace Charter and the Governance Accountability Charter. These agreements were intended to commit participants to conducting campaigns without intimidation, protecting voters, and accepting election outcomes through legal means. The signatories included representatives from the Action Alliance, African Action Congress, African Democratic Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Allied Peoples Movement, Action Peoples Party, Boot Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Peoples Redemption Party, Young Progressive Party, and Zenith Labour Party. Commissioner Bunmi Jenyo represented Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is running for re-election under the Accord platform. His participation marked the governor's endorsement of the initiative, reinforcing his commitment to a peaceful and credible election. Other notable attendees included representatives from the ruling party, the APC, and the African Democratic Congress, though neither party sent delegates to the summit. Dr Segun Aina, chairman of the Osun Development Association, addressed the gathering, urging politicians to prioritize peace and accountability. He emphasized that the signing of the charters was a public declaration of intent, signaling respect for the democratic process and a rejection of violent tactics. Aina called on the Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola, to oversee a fair election and asked security agencies to protect citizens' safety during and after the vote. Adeleke’s message, delivered by Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, reiterated the administration’s dedication to ensuring a free and transparent election. He stressed that no political goal should come at the cost of human lives, underscoring the importance of safeguarding individual rights. This sentiment was echoed by representatives of other parties, who pledged adherence to the rule of law and cooperation in maintaining electoral integrity. The event took place amid ongoing tensions in the region, including recent incidents of violence in Osogbo. Reports indicate that two individuals were killed and 19 vehicles were damaged in separate attacks, highlighting the risks associated with pre-election unrest. Despite these challenges, the summit proceeded as planned, with organizers hoping to foster unity and stability ahead of the critical voting day. Among the candidates vying for the governorship are Bola Oyebamiji of the APC, Najeem Salaam of the ADC, and several others from smaller parties. While the majority of political groups chose to engage in the peace initiative, the absence of representatives from the APC and ADC has raised questions about their stance on the proposed measures. Their decision to withdraw from the summit could signal a lack of consensus on the need for collective action to prevent further conflict. As the August 15 deadline approaches, the focus will remain on whether the commitments made at the summit translate into tangible efforts to reduce tensions and ensure a secure environment for voters. The success of the peace pact will depend on the willingness of all stakeholders to uphold their promises and work collaboratively toward a stable and democratic transition.