Governor Ademola Adeleke, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, and 12 other candidates have pledged to maintain peace before, during and after the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
The candidates signed the Osun Governorship Election Peace Accord on Thursday. The National Peace Committee (NPC) organised the event in partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The accord aims to promote a peaceful, credible and transparent electoral process ahead of the off-cycle governorship election.
Candidates pledge peaceful conduct
Among those who signed the accord were Governor Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate Adewale Adebayo and African Action Congress (AAC) candidate Olajide Esan.
However, some governorship candidates did not attend the ceremony. Instead, party officials represented them. For example, APC candidate Oyebamiji delegated his running mate, Engr. Kayode Adereti, to attend the event alongside senior party leaders. Likewise, officials of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) represented the party’s governorship candidate, Najeem Salam.
Leaders urge parties to uphold peace
The ceremony attracted political, religious, traditional and security leaders from across the country.
Those present included National Peace Committee Convener Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone XI, AIG Fasuba Olabode, who represented Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, INEC Chairman for the election, Prof. Ojo Amupitan, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
Meanwhile, Cardinal John Onaiyekan urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to respect the agreement they had signed.
He also encouraged every stakeholder to protect the integrity of the election. Furthermore, he advised politicians to avoid actions capable of disrupting public peace before, during and after the poll.
Police assure residents of adequate security
The Nigeria Police Force assured residents that it had made adequate security arrangements for the election.
Speaking on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, AIG Olabode said security personnel had already started arriving in Osun for election duties.
He added that only recognised security agencies would participate in the exercise. He also urged residents to remain calm because the police expected a peaceful and professionally managed election.
INEC steps up fight against vote buying
INEC announced tougher measures to tackle vote buying and warned that offenders would face arrest and prosecution.
According to Prof. Amupitan, the commission has partnered with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to combat electoral corruption.
In addition, undercover financial intelligence officers will monitor polling units across the state. They will also track suspicious financial transactions and arrest anyone involved in buying or selling votes through cash payments or electronic transfers.
He added that the commission would strictly enforce the Electoral Act and protect the credibility of the governorship election.
Ooni calls for unity
The Ooni of Ife appealed to politicians and their supporters to reject violence and avoid actions that could divide communities.
He reminded residents that political alliances often change after elections. However, ordinary citizens usually bear the consequences of political violence.
“Power belongs to the people,” the monarch said.
He urged voters to remain peaceful and place the interest of Osun State above partisan considerations. He also warned politicians against inciting violence, insisting that no political ambition was worth the loss of lives or destruction of property.
As political parties intensify campaigns, stakeholders expressed optimism that the August 15 governorship election would be peaceful, transparent and credible. Moreover, security agencies and INEC said they would continue preparations to ensure a smooth electoral process.
Read also: Police arrest Osun SSG, five others over alleged vote buying
