Osun election integrity summit rallies stakeholders behind peace charter

The Osun Development Association (ODA) convened a high-level summit aimed at fostering democratic governance, peace, and electoral integrity ahead of the Osun 2026 governorship election. The event, themed 'Speak, Choose, Hold Accountable: Citizens at the Centre of Osun’s Democracy,' sought to steer the state's political discourse toward issue-based campaigns and away from rising tensions.

Governor Ademola Adeleke, represented by his Deputy Prince Kola Adewusi, urged for a peaceful election, stating that violence in any form would not be tolerated. He affirmed the government's commitment, in collaboration with security agencies, to ensure a free, fair, credible, and acceptable election devoid of violence. The governor commended the ODA for organizing the summit, deeming it a welcome development.

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Osun State is at a critical democratic crossroads. We believe our state can, and must, set a national benchmark for peaceful, credible, and development-driven elections. This summit moves citizens from the periphery to the very centre of the democratic process, demanding institutional accountability from all political actors.

The summit, convened by ODA’s Leadership and Governance Committee (LEAD-GOV), is a non-partisan initiative by the state's diaspora and domestic civic community in response to recent reports of political violence, destruction of campaign materials, and personality-driven friction. Dr. Tunji Olugbodi, Chairman of ODA’s LEAD-GOV Committee, highlighted the critical democratic juncture Osun State faces, expressing belief that the state can set a national benchmark for peaceful, credible, and development-driven elections.

A key outcome of the summit was the formal unveiling and signing of the "Osun 2026 Peace Charter." This charter represents a binding public commitment by all political parties and candidates to non-violence and issue-led campaigning. The event gathered a broad coalition of institutional stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), heads of security agencies, registered political parties and their candidates, faith leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and the media.

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The Osun 2026 Peace Charter a binding, public commitment by all political parties and candidates to non-violence and issue-led campaigning.