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From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
Ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, fourteen participating political parties have signed a peace accord.
However, the event was marked by a strong protest from Governor Ademola Adeleke, who claimed his administration and party members have been under siege and constant attack for the past three months.
Representatives of all governorship candidates were present for the peace pact organized by the National Peace Committee (NPC).
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, urged all political parties, candidates, and supporters to strictly adhere to both the letter and the spirit of the agreement.
“By signing this Peace Accord today, we are not only affirming our dedication to non-violence and mutual respect among all political actors, but we are also sending a powerful, unambiguous message to our citizens: that democracy thrives when peace prevails.”
Amupitan expressed INEC’s readiness for the polls and called on all candidates to cascade the spirit of the accord down to their ward executives, polling agents, and grassroots supporters.
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He urged them to demobilize the use of violence, curb inflammatory rhetoric, and let the ballot box alone decide the outcome.
In his address, Governor Adeleke revealed that he nearly boycotted the peace meeting due to the violence unleashed on Osun State over the past few months, which he blamed on directives from Gboyega Oyetola.
“My presence is due to my very deep respect for our peace leaders here present. Our gathering is to endorse peace, but my government and people are facing police-sanctioned violence and intimidation.
“War is being waged actively against my people by the Osun APC, openly supported by the Osun State Police Command,” Adeleke alleged.
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, urged political parties to shun violence, reminding them that power belongs to God and ultimately to the people.
Speaking on behalf of the NPC, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, called on all governorship candidates to respect the peace accord and ensure a peaceful atmosphere before, during, and after the election.
