Twelve of the 14 political parties contesting the August 15 Osun State governorship election have signed the Peace and Accountability Charters, pledging to uphold peaceful campaigns and responsible governance ahead of the polls. The signing took place during the Osun 2026 Democratic Governance, Peace and Electoral Integrity Summit held in Osogbo, organised by the Osun Development Association (ODA). The event brought together party representatives, government officials, and civil society actors to promote democratic values and electoral integrity. Notably absent were the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), whose candidates and delegates did not attend the summit or participate in the signing.
The Peace and Accountability Charters, central to the summit’s agenda, outline commitments to reject violence, conduct issue-based campaigns, respect electoral institutions, protect voters, and resolve disputes through legal channels. They also emphasize maintaining peace after election results are announced. Dr. Segun Aina, Chairman of the Osun Development Association, delivered his remarks through Dr. Tunji Olugbodi, stressing that the charters are public pledges made before the people of Osun State. He commended the participating parties for their presence, calling it a clear signal of respect for the democratic process and a rejection of intimidation as a tool for electoral success.
Among the parties that signed the charters were the Action Alliance, African Action Congress, African Democratic Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Allied Peoples Movement, Action Peoples Party, Boot Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Peoples Redemption Party, Young Progressive Party, and Zenith Labour Party. Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking re-election on the Accord platform, was represented by the Commissioner for Industry, Bunmi Jenyo, who signed the documents on his behalf. Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi delivered a goodwill message from the governor, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to peaceful and credible elections.
Governor Adeleke emphasized that no political ambition is worth the blood of any citizen and that no office is more valuable than human life. He urged all stakeholders to prioritize peace and democratic principles. The ODA chairman also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), particularly Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner Oluwatoyin Babalola, to ensure transparency and credibility in the election process. He called on security agencies to protect lives and property throughout the electoral period.
Representatives from the participating parties pledged to abide by electoral laws and contribute to a peaceful and credible governorship election. The summit is part of broader efforts by civil society and election stakeholders to promote democratic accountability and peaceful conduct ahead of the August 15 polls. With fourteen parties expected to field candidates, including Bola Oyebamiji of the APC and Najeem Salaam of the ADC, the signing of the charters marks a significant step toward a more peaceful and responsible electoral season in Osun State. The outcome of these commitments will be closely watched as the state moves toward a decisive election.
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