Osun 2026: Parties sign peace accord ahead of election

Political parties in Osun State have signed a peace accord, committing themselves to a peaceful, free and credible governorship election in August 15.

The accord was signed on Saturday at the Governance and Election Integrity Summit held in Osogbo, the state capital.

The summit was organised by the Osun Development Association and brought together key stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, political parties and civil society organisations.

Organisers said the initiative was designed to promote peaceful conduct and reassure voters of a safe environment before, during and after the election.

With less than a month to the poll and the tempo of election-related violence rising, participants stressed the need for restraint and education of all on the imperatives of peace and security.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Oluwatoyin Babalola, said safeguarding the integrity of the election was a shared responsibility, urging stakeholders to prioritise peace, patriotism and the interest of the state above political considerations.

In a keynote address titled “Peace Before Progress: Why the 2026 Osun Election is a Referendum on Southwest Nigeria’s Capacity for Peaceful, Development-Driven Democracy,” the speaker emphasised that democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear, violence and intimidation.

The summit concluded with representatives of participating political parties signing the peace accord, pledging to conduct their campaigns without violence.