All the 14 governorship candidates of political parties participating in the August 15 gubernatorial election in Osun state, Thursday signed a peace accord.

All the governorship candidates were represented at the event organized by the National Peace Committee (NPC).

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, urged all political parties, candidates, and supporters to strictly adhere to both the letter and the spirit of the agreement.

“By signing this Peace Accord today, we are not only affirming our dedication to non-violence and mutual respect among all political actors, but we are also sending a powerful, unambiguous message to our citizens that democracy thrives when peace prevails,” Amupitan said.

He expressed INEC’s readiness for the polls and called on all candidates to cascade the spirit of the accord down to their ward executives, polling agents, and grassroots supporters. 

He urged them to demobilize the use of violence, curb inflammatory rhetoric, and let the ballot box alone decide the outcome.

In his address, governor Ademola Adeleke alleged that his administration and party members have been under siege and constant attack for the past three months.

He explained that he nearly boycotted the peace meeting due to the violence unleashed on Osun state over the past few months, which he blamed on directives from Gboyega Oyetola.

“My presence is due to my very deep respect for our peace leaders here present. Our gathering is to endorse peace, but my government and people are facing police-sanctioned violence and intimidation. 

“War is being waged actively against my people by the Osun APC, openly supported by the Osun State Police Command,” Adeleke alleged.

Also speaking at the event, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, urged political parties to shun violence, reminding them that power belongs to God and ultimately to the people.

Speaking on behalf of the NPC, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, called on all governorship candidates to respect the peace accord and ensure a peaceful atmosphere before, during, and after the election.