National Peace Committee Intensifies Stakeholder Engagement Ahead of Osun Peace Accord Signing

By Omidiran Seun 

The National Peace Committee, NPC, through its Secretariat, The Kukah Centre, has intensified consultations with critical stakeholders ahead of the signing of the Peace Accord for the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election.

The Committee urged political actors and residents to embrace peace before, during and after the governorship poll scheduled for August 15.

The bilateral stakeholder engagement and socialisation of the Peace Accord, supported by the European Union under the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria, EU-SDGN, was organised to deepen understanding of the Peace Accord and strengthen collaboration among key institutions responsible for delivering a peaceful, credible and violence-free election.

The engagement, which precedes the formal signing of the Peace Accord scheduled for July 30, brought together representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, security agencies, political parties, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, women and youth groups, persons with disabilities, media practitioners, election observers and development partners.

Speaking during the engagement, the NPC Project Manager, Barr. Asabe Ndahi, described the Peace Accord as a collective commitment by political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to place peace above partisan interests and uphold democratic values.

She said the consultations were designed not only to prepare stakeholders for the signing ceremony but also to identify emerging electoral risks, strengthen institutional coordination and promote collective action to prevent violence before, during and after the election.

According to her, findings from the Political and Security Context Analysis identified organised political violence, electoral offences, voter inducement, misinformation, institutional tensions and declining public confidence as major threats capable of undermining the credibility of the poll if not proactively addressed.

She therefore urged stakeholders to support early warning mechanisms, responsible political communication, issue-based campaigns and lawful dispute resolution.

Delivering the message of the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, his representative, Oba Yinusa Adedini Adebayo, the Asona of Asona, appealed to the people of Osun State to vote according to their conscience and elect leaders they believe will genuinely serve the interest of the state.

He stressed that peace remains the foundation of every successful election and advised residents to promptly report anyone planning or instigating violence to the appropriate security agencies.

The monarch commended the National Peace Committee, The Kukah Centre and development partners for sustaining initiatives aimed at promoting peaceful democratic participation in the state.

Also speaking, the Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Very Rev. Fr. Ajayi Thaddeus, appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, pastors and imams to use their influence to counsel their followers against violence and promote peaceful coexistence.

He noted that community and religious leaders have a crucial responsibility in shaping public behaviour and ensuring that political differences do not degenerate into conflict.

Similarly, the Secretary of the League of Imams and Alfas in Osun State, Imam Abdusalam M.A., described voting as a constitutional right that every eligible citizen should exercise without fear or intimidation.

He urged residents to come out peacefully on August 15 to perform their civic responsibility while respecting the rights of others and maintaining law and order.

Participants deliberated on emerging political dynamics, election security, vote-buying, political intimidation, misinformation, protection of electoral infrastructure, conflict prevention and rapid response mechanisms.

They reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful elections and called on political parties, candidates, supporters and the electorate to reject violence, uphold democratic principles and ensure that political competition remains peaceful throughout the electoral cycle.

The bilateral consultations form part of the National Peace Committee’s broader peacebuilding efforts ahead of the formal signing of the 2026 Osun State Peace Accord on July 30 and the governorship election on August 15.