Absence of Accord, APC Sparks Tension at Osun Election Peace Meeting

Concerns over the absence of two major political parties dominated discussions at a stakeholders’ peace meeting convened by the Nigeria Police Force in Osogbo on Wednesday ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election.

The meeting, organised by the Osun State Police Command in collaboration with other security agencies, brought together representatives of political parties, electoral officials and security stakeholders to promote peaceful conduct before, during and after the poll.

However, participants expressed concern that neither the ruling Accord Party nor the All Progressives Congress (APC) attended the gathering, warning that their absence could undermine efforts aimed at ensuring a violence-free election.

Speaking during the meeting, the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Adewale Adebayo, described the development as disturbing, noting that both parties have previously been linked to political tensions in the state.

“It is scary that the two political parties that have been fingered at one point or another for killing, maiming and harassing each other’s supporters are not here. They need to be here to agree to the terms of peace,” Adebayo said.

He assured that the APM would continue to collaborate with security agencies to support a peaceful, credible and transparent electoral process in Osun State.

Also speaking, the Osun State Chairman of the BOOT Party, Prince Adesoji Adeleke, faulted the absence of the two parties, stressing that their participation was crucial to the success of the peace initiative.

“The two political parties causing the problem for us in the state are not here. This is disgusting. What is the essence of our sitting here? They know what they plan for themselves ahead of the election,” he stated.

Earlier, the Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, called on political actors to conduct their campaigns responsibly and work closely with security agencies throughout the election period.

He urged political parties and candidates to notify security agencies before organising rallies, processions or other campaign activities to enable adequate deployment of personnel and prevent possible clashes.

“Early notification will enable security agencies to deploy personnel effectively, provide adequate security coverage, manage traffic, prevent clashes, and ensure the safety of participants as well as members of the public,” Gotan said.

The police commissioner also warned against the destruction of opponents’ campaign materials, stressing that anyone found violating electoral laws would be dealt with accordingly.

Meanwhile, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, expressed concern over recent incidents of violence in the state.

She noted that the loss of lives recorded in recent political clashes had heightened fear among residents and political stakeholders.

Babalola urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns, shun hate speech and misinformation, and uphold the rule of law throughout the electoral process.

The peace meeting forms part of efforts by security agencies and electoral stakeholders to ensure a peaceful atmosphere ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election.