Tension in Osun as APC, Accord Shun Peace Meeting Ahead of Guber Election

Fresh concerns have emerged ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election after two major political parties, the All Progressives Congress and Accord Party, failed to attend a peace meeting organised by the Osun State Police Command in Osogbo.

The meeting, held on Wednesday, was part of efforts by security agencies and electoral stakeholders to prevent violence and ensure a peaceful electoral process in the state.

It brought together representatives of political parties, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, and security agencies.

However, the absence of both APC and Accord quickly became the major talking point at the gathering, with several participants expressing worry over what it could mean for the peace process.

Some political stakeholders argued that the absence of the two parties could weaken confidence in ongoing efforts to guarantee a free, fair, and violence-free governorship election.

Speaking during the meeting, Adewale Adebayo, governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, described the development as disturbing.

“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 noted that peace agreements are more effective when all major stakeholders are present and committed to the process. According to him, the absence of key players raises serious concerns about political tensions already building in the state.

Also reacting, Prince Adesoji Adeleke, Chairman of the BOOT Party, said the nonattendance of APC and Accord was disappointing.

He stressed that every political party contesting in the election has a responsibility to support peaceful engagement and discourage violence among supporters.

Earlier in his remarks, Ibrahim Gotan, Commissioner of Police in Osun State, called on political actors to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the election season.

He urged parties and candidates to avoid actions capable of triggering unrest and advised them to always notify security agencies before holding rallies, processions, or political gatherings.

According to the police chief, timely communication with security operatives would help ensure proper deployment and adequate protection during campaign activities.

Gotan also warned against the destruction of campaign materials, describing such acts as provocative and capable of escalating tensions.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in Osun State, Oluwatoyin Babalola, also raised concerns over recent incidents of political violence in the state.

She noted that lives had already been lost in politically linked clashes and called on all political parties to embrace peaceful campaigns.

Babalola urged candidates and their supporters to focus on issue-based campaigns rather than personal attacks, hate speech, or inflammatory rhetoric.

She also emphasized the need for all stakeholders to respect the rule of law and protect the integrity of the electoral process.