Osun Poll: APC, ADC Absent as 12 Guber Candidates Sign Peace Pact

Twelve political parties participating in the forthcoming Osun State governorship election have signed a peace and accountability pact ahead of the August 15 poll, pledging to conduct their campaigns peacefully and abide by democratic principles.

POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) were absent from the event held in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

The signing ceremony took place during the Osun 2026 Democratic Governance, Peace and Electoral Integrity Summit organised by the Osun Development Association (ODA). The initiative was aimed at encouraging peaceful political engagement, issue-based campaigns and responsible leadership ahead of the election.

At the gathering, representatives of the participating political parties publicly endorsed the Peace and Accountability Charters, committing themselves to non-violence and adherence to electoral rules throughout the election period.

Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party, was represented by the Commissioner for Industry, Commerce and Cooperatives, Bunmi Jenyo. The commissioner signed the documents on behalf of the governor.

Other political parties that endorsed the charters included 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).

Despite being among the major contenders in the election, neither the APC nor the ADC was represented at the summit. Their candidates and party officials were absent throughout the signing exercise.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Osun Development Association, Dr. Segun Aina, described the charters as important commitments designed to strengthen democracy and promote peaceful elections in the state.

His address, delivered by Dr. Tunji Olugbodi, explained that the Peace Charter requires candidates and political parties to reject violence, avoid inflammatory rhetoric, respect electoral institutions and embrace lawful means of resolving disputes arising from the election process.

Aina said the document also encourages political actors to protect voters’ rights, conduct issue-driven campaigns and maintain peace before and after the announcement of election results.

He stated, “Every party and every candidate that signs this Charter today does so publicly, before the people of Osun State.”

The ODA chairman praised the parties that participated in the exercise, noting that their attendance reflected a commitment to democratic values and peaceful political competition.

According to him, “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.”

Aina also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a transparent and credible electoral process. He specifically urged the Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola, to maintain fairness and professionalism throughout the exercise.

He further appealed to security agencies to remain neutral and provide adequate protection for voters, election officials and political stakeholders before, during and after the governorship election.

In a goodwill message delivered by Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, Governor Adeleke reiterated his administration’s support for peaceful elections and democratic governance.

The governor stressed that political contests should never result in violence or loss of lives.

According to him, “Our belief is simply that 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 parties also used the occasion to reaffirm their commitment to complying with electoral laws and ensuring that the election is conducted peacefully.

The August 15 governorship election is expected to feature 14 political parties. Governor Adeleke is seeking another term under the Accord Party, while Bola Oyebamiji is contesting on the platform of the APC. Najeem Salaam will fly the flag of the ADC.

The summit is one of several efforts by civil society groups, election stakeholders and democratic institutions to encourage peaceful participation, strengthen accountability and protect the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the crucial governorship contest.