Candidates contesting the August 15 Osun State governorship election and their political parties on Thursday signed a peace accord aimed at ensuring a peaceful, free and credible election.

The peace accord signing, facilitated by the Bishop Matthew Kukah-led National Peace Committee, took place on Thursday at the Oasis Event Centre in Osogbo.

Governor Ademola Adeleke attended the event in person, while his major opponents were represented.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, was represented by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, alongside his running mate, Engr. Kayode Adereti. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate was represented by the party’s chairman, Azeez Adesiji.

Speaking at the event, the chairman of the National Peace Committee, former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who was represented by former Chief of Defence Staff General Martins Agwai, urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to put peace above politics.

He appealed to all political parties, governorship candidates and their supporters to conduct the remainder of their campaigns peacefully, with restraint, civility and respect for the law.

“We must reject violence, hate speech, misinformation and every action that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process. No electoral victory is worth the loss of a single life, and the greatest achievement for everyone is a peaceful election that reflects the freely expressed will of the people,” he said.

After the candidates and party representatives signed the accord, the convener of the National Peace Committee, Bishop Matthew Kukah, reminded them that signing the document was only the beginning.

He urged them to honour the commitments they had made.

He expressed confidence that the candidates and their supporters would keep to the agreement throughout the election period.

“We trust that these commitments will guide their words, their actions, and the conduct of their supporters throughout the remainder of the electoral process,” he added.

Kukah also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, the media and civil society organisations to play their part in ensuring a peaceful election.

He urged INEC to remain professional and impartial, while asking security agencies to be fair, vigilant and accountable in carrying out their duties.