Governor Ademola Adeleke during a visit to communities affected by communal violence in Osun State, where he issued fresh directives to restore peace and maintain law and order
Abayomi Susan
Ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, fourteen political parties participating in the poll have signed a peace accord, committing themselves to a violence-free electoral process.
The peace pact, facilitated by the National Peace Committee (NPC), brought together representatives of all governorship candidates in a renewed commitment to peaceful campaigns and credible elections.
Addressing stakeholders at the event, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to uphold both the letter and spirit of the peace agreement.
He said the signing of the accord demonstrated a collective commitment to non-violence, mutual respect and democratic values.
“By signing this Peace Accord today, we are not only reaffirming our commitment to peaceful conduct but also sending a clear message that democracy can only flourish in an atmosphere of peace,” he said.
Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s preparedness for the election and urged candidates to ensure that the principles of the accord are embraced by party executives, polling agents and supporters at the grassroots.
He also appealed to political actors to discourage violence, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and allow the electorate to determine the outcome of the election through the ballot box.
The event, however, took a dramatic turn as Governor Ademola Adeleke alleged that his administration and supporters had been subjected to sustained attacks and intimidation over the past three months.
Adeleke disclosed that he had considered boycotting the peace meeting but decided to attend out of respect for the National Peace Committee and its leadership.
According to the governor, his administration has been operating under what he described as a climate of police-backed intimidation and violence.
He alleged that members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, with the support of the Osun State Police Command, had been responsible for attacks against his supporters. He also claimed that the actions were being carried out on the instructions of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.
Also speaking, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, appealed to all political parties and their supporters to reject violence, reminding them that political power ultimately belongs to God and is conferred by the people through the democratic process.
On behalf of the National Peace Committee, Cardinal John Onaiyekan urged all governorship candidates to honour the peace accord and work towards ensuring peaceful campaigns and a credible election before, during and after the governorship poll.
