ODA rallies INEC, political parties, security chiefs for Osun election peace pact

With political activities intensifying ahead of the August 2026 Osun State governorship election, the Osun Development Association (ODA) has announced plans to convene the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, governorship candidates, political parties and other critical stakeholders for a summit aimed at promoting peaceful, credible and issue-based elections.

The non-partisan diaspora and civic organisation said the Osun 2026 Democratic Governance, Peace and Electoral Integrity Summit is intended to curb rising political tension, discourage violence and strengthen accountability before and after the polls.

Scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the Aurora Event Centre, New GRA, Osogbo, the summit will be held under the theme: “Speak, Choose, Hold Accountable: Citizens at the Centre of Osun’s Democracy.”

Organised by ODA’s Leadership and Governance Committee (LEAD-GOV), the initiative comes amid growing concerns over reports of political violence, destruction of campaign materials and increasing personality-driven campaigns across the state.

Chairman of the LEAD-GOV Committee, Dr. Tunji Olugbodi, described the summit as a timely intervention to reposition Osun’s democratic process.

“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,” he said.

“This summit moves citizens from the periphery to the very centre of the democratic process, demanding institutional accountability from all political actors.”

The summit is expected to bring together INEC, heads of security agencies in the state, registered political parties and their governorship candidates, leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Muslim Ummah, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, professional bodies, youth and women’s groups, as well as members of the media.

A major highlight of the event will be the unveiling and signing of the Osun 2026 Peace Charter, through which political parties and candidates will publicly commit themselves to non-violence and issue-based campaigns.

Participants will also adopt a Governance Accountability Charter, a citizen-driven document outlining public expectations for the next administration, alongside a Summit Communiqué containing recommendations for ensuring peaceful elections and post-election stability.

To ensure commitments made at the summit are implemented, ODA said it would partner with the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) to monitor compliance for three months after the governorship election.

Chairman of ODA, Dr. Segun Aina, OFR, said the involvement of religious leaders, traditional institutions and the media would provide the moral authority and public oversight needed to safeguard peace throughout the electoral process.

He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting good governance, democratic accountability and sustainable development in Osun State through non-partisan civic engagement.