Osun State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, was conspicuously absent at the accord signing ceremony by political parties and their candidates participating in the August 15 governorship election.

The accord which was suprintended by the National Peace Committee (NPC) led by former head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, is meant to commit the parties and their supporters, for the election.

All the 14 political parties participating in the election signed the accord. APC was represented by the State Publicity Secretary, Kola Olabisi at the signing ceremony.

The deputy governorship candidate, Benjamin Kayode Adereti, came after the ceremony.

Osun State has witnessed political tension in the past few weeks, which Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi described as “very unbearable.”

Among candidates present at the ceremony are Ademola Adeleke (Accord); Olarewaju Farinloye (AA); Esan Olajide (AAC); Salaam Najeem (ADC); Adeagbo Opawoye (ADP); Adeyemi-Doro Adesina (APGA); Adebayo Adewale (APM); Adesuyi Clement (APP); BP Adeleke Adesoji (BP); Adeleke Taofeek (NNPP); Saliu Oyelami (PRP) YPP – Ogunsakin Enoch (YPP); and Adesuyi Olufemi (ZLP).

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, said the Peace Accord was “not a mere administrative ceremony or photo opportunity”, but a moral treaty signed before the citizens of Osun State and the global community.

“It is not the signatures written today that preserve democracy; it is the character of the leaders who hold the pen.

“If campaigns are characterised by incitement, private armed squads, or subversion, the process is compromised long before the first ballot is cast,” Amupitan said.

Archbishop emeritus, Archdiocese of Abuja, John Cardinal Onayekan, appealed to the parties to abide by the accord.

“This signing of accord is not just a formality, a ritual. It is supposed to mean something serious, that we take this matter seriously,” he stated.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun who was represented by AIG Fasuba Olabode, said police would ensure adequate security.

The IGP assured that only regular policemen would be deployed to provide security the election, stating Amotekun and vigilante would not be involved.

General Abdulsalami was represented by General Martins Luther Agwai.

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