Group urges peaceful Osun poll

The Osun Development Association has urged governorship candidates, party leaders and their supporters to conduct themselves with restraint, dignity and respect throughout the 2026 electioneering period in the state.

The association also cautioned political actors against inflammatory rhetoric, intimidation and actions capable of escalating political tensions.

In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Chris Adetayo, on Friday, the association said the call was in line with the resolutions reached at the recently concluded Osun 2026 Democratic Governance, Peace and Electoral Integrity Summit organised by the ODA.

According to the association, participants at the summit, including political leaders and other stakeholders, had pledged to promote peaceful electioneering, issue-based campaigns and democratic engagement devoid of violence ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

Commenting on the development, the Chairman of the ODA, Dr Segun Aina, commended Governor Ademola Adeleke and the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Oyebamiji, for what he described as a demonstration of political maturity and statesmanship during the funeral ceremonies of the late mother of the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru.

He said the cordial interaction between the governor and Oyebamiji reflected the possibility of healthy political competition without undermining peace, mutual respect and democratic values in Osun State.

“This is exactly the kind of leadership our people expect to see. Political parties may differ in ideology and contest vigorously for votes, but they must never lose sight of our common humanity or the collective interest of Osun State. Respect across political divides is a hallmark of a mature democracy and an essential ingredient for peaceful elections,” Aina said.

He expressed optimism that the atmosphere of mutual respect witnessed during the funeral would become the defining culture of political engagement ahead of the state’s governorship election.

Aina urged governorship candidates, party leaders and their supporters to conduct themselves with restraint, dignity and respect throughout the electioneering period.

He also cautioned political actors against inflammatory rhetoric, intimidation and actions capable of escalating political tensions.

“Elections should be contests of ideas, competence and vision, and not contests of hostility or violence. The images witnessed at the funeral are a reminder that, despite political differences, we remain one people with a shared responsibility to preserve the peace and stability of our dear state,” he added.

The ODA chairman reaffirmed the association’s commitment to sustaining dialogue among political stakeholders and promoting civic responsibility throughout the electoral process.

“As we move towards the 2026 governorship election, every action that promotes unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence strengthens our democracy. The conduct displayed by Governor Ademola Adeleke and Senator Ajibola Basiru deserves commendation and should serve as an example to all political actors. ODA will continue to champion initiatives that encourage dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful democratic engagement for the benefit of all the people of Osun State,” he said.

The association reiterated that preserving peace, stability and development in Osun State remained a collective responsibility and called on residents to continue supporting initiatives that promote harmony before, during and after the 2026 governorship election.