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Non-partisan organisation to bring together INEC, security agencies, political candidates, civil society groups and community leaders to promote peaceful, credible and accountable elections
The Osun Development Association (ODA) has announced plans to convene the Osun 2026 Democratic Governance, Peace and Electoral Integrity Summit, a major civic engagement initiative aimed at promoting peaceful participation, issue-based campaigns and responsible democratic practices ahead of the August governorship election in the state.
The high-level summit is scheduled to hold on Thursday, 16 July 2026, at the Aurora Event Centre, Plot 6, New GRA, Osogbo, beginning at 10:00 a.m., with the theme: “Speak, Choose, Hold Accountable: Citizens at the Centre of Osun’s Democracy.”
Organised by the Leadership and Governance Committee (LEAD-GOV) of ODA, the summit represents a non-partisan effort by stakeholders within and outside Osun State to address concerns surrounding political tension, alleged violence, campaign-related disputes and other challenges capable of threatening a peaceful electoral process.
Speaking ahead of the event, Chairman of ODA’s LEAD-GOV Committee, Dr Tunji Olugbodi, said the summit was designed to reinforce the need for peaceful elections, democratic accountability and citizen participation.
According to him, Osun State has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership by setting a standard for credible and development-focused elections.
“Osun State is at a critical democratic crossroads. We believe our state can and must set a national benchmark for peaceful, credible and development-driven elections. This Summit will place citizens at the heart of democracy while demanding accountability from all political actors,” he said.
The summit is expected to attract key stakeholders, including representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), heads of security agencies, registered political parties and governorship candidates, as well as religious leaders, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, professional associations, youth and women groups, and members of the media.
A major highlight of the gathering will be the unveiling and signing of three key documents aimed at strengthening democratic stability before, during and after the election. They include:
- The Osun 2026 Peace Charter — a public commitment by political parties and candidates to embrace non-violence, issue-based campaigns and peaceful electoral conduct.
- The Governance Accountability Charter — a citizen-driven framework outlining expectations and priorities for the incoming administration.
- The Summit Communiqué — a policy document containing recommendations for sustaining electoral peace and stability beyond the governorship election.
To ensure continued commitment after the election, ODA, in collaboration with the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), will establish a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess compliance with the agreements reached during the summit.
Chairman of ODA, Dr Segun Aina, OFR, noted that the involvement of faith-based organisations, traditional rulers, civil society actors and the independent media would provide the necessary public confidence and oversight required to safeguard peace and democratic values in Osun State.
Members of the media, civil society organisations and invited corporate representatives are encouraged to complete accreditation with the LEAD-GOV Committee Secretariat on or before Friday, 10 July 2026, to obtain entry passes and receive relevant media guidelines.
About Osun Development Association (ODA)
The Osun Development Association (ODA) is a non-partisan diaspora and domestic civic development organisation committed to advancing socio-economic growth, good governance and sustainable democratic development in Osun State.
Media Contact:
Mr Chris Adetayo
Assistant Publicity Secretary
Osun Development Association (ODA)
Phone: +234 806 752 4235
Email: osundeva2@gmail.com
