Candidates from the 14 political parties contesting the August 15 Osun State governorship election have signed a peace accord, pledging to conduct peaceful campaigns and ensure a violence-free election.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, seeking a second term, personally signed the agreement, while representatives signed on behalf of APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji and ADC candidate Dr. Najeem Salaam.
Speaking at the event, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) warned that anyone involved in election violence, vote buying or attempts to disrupt the poll would face the full weight of the law. The commission also disclosed that it had completed most of its election preparations and would deploy security personnel across all polling units in collaboration with the police and the military.
INEC announced that the voter register contains over 2.3 million eligible voters and extended the deadline for Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection to July 31 to allow more residents to participate in the election.
The National Peace Committee urged political parties to honour the agreement, stressing that peaceful elections are essential to strengthening democracy.
Police authorities assured residents of adequate security before, during and after the election, promising neutrality throughout the process.
Governor Adeleke called for impartial policing and a transparent electoral process, alleging that members of his party had experienced harassment. Meanwhile, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, appealed to political actors to reject violence and place the interests of Osun State above partisan politics.
