APC, ADC Shun Osun Governorship Peace Summit as 12 Parties Sign Peace, Accountability Charters
Twelve of the 14 political parties participating in the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election on Thursday endorsed Peace and Accountability Charters aimed at promoting peaceful campaigns and responsible governance ahead of the poll.
However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) were conspicuously absent from the signing ceremony held in Osogbo.
The event, tagged the Osun 2026 Democratic Governance, Peace and Electoral Integrity Summit, was organised by the Osun Development Association (ODA) as part of efforts to strengthen electoral integrity, encourage issue-based campaigns and foster peaceful coexistence before, during and after the election.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking a second term on the platform of the Accord Party, was represented by the State Commissioner for Industry, Bunmi Jenyo, who signed the Peace and Accountability Charters on his behalf.
Representatives of the Action Alliance (AA), African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Party (ADP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Young Progressive Party (YPP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) also endorsed the charters.
Neither the APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, nor the ADC candidate, Najeem Salaam, attended the summit, while no representatives of the two parties participated in the signing exercise.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Osun Development Association, Dr Segun Aina, whose address was delivered by Dr Olugbodi, described the Peace and Accountability Charters as crucial commitments designed to ensure peaceful elections and accountable governance in the state.
According to him, the Peace Charter obliges political parties and candidates to reject violence, conduct issue-based campaigns, respect electoral institutions, safeguard voters, seek legal redress in the event of disputes and uphold peace after the declaration of election results.
“Every party and every candidate that signs this Charter today does so publicly, before the people of Osun State,” Aina said.
He commended the parties that participated in the exercise, noting that their presence reflected respect for democratic values and confidence in the electoral process.
“Your presence here today is itself a statement. It signals that you respect the democratic process. It signals that you understand that elections are won through ideas and not intimidation,” he added.
Aina also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), particularly the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola, to ensure a free, fair and credible governorship election. He equally called on security agencies to guarantee the safety of lives and property before, during and after the poll.
In a goodwill message delivered by the Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, Governor Adeleke reiterated his administration’s commitment to peaceful, transparent and credible elections.
According to the governor, “No political ambition is worth the blood of any citizen, and no office is more valuable than the life of a single man, woman or child.”
Representatives of the participating political parties also pledged to abide by the provisions of the Electoral Act and work collectively towards ensuring a peaceful and credible governorship election.
Fourteen political parties are expected to participate in the August 15 governorship poll. While Governor Adeleke is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party, Bola Oyebamiji is flying the flag of the APC, while Najeem Salaam is the candidate of the ADC.
The summit is part of ongoing efforts by civil society organisations and key election stakeholders to deepen democratic accountability, promote electoral integrity and sustain peace ahead of the crucial governorship election in Osun State.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
