Osun poll: Politicians must honour peace accord, says INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged political parties and candidates in the upcoming Osun State governorship election on August 15 to uphold a peace accord they signed and commit to a peaceful poll. Adedayo Oketola, INEC's Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser, made the appeal on Thursday amid concerns about growing tensions surrounding the election.

The peace accord, organized by the National Peace Committee, involved 14 political parties that signed it on July 30. Oketola emphasized that the agreement was a public commitment by political actors to maintain peace, abide by the law, and ensure discipline on election day. INEC has conducted a thorough assessment of the state, engaging various stakeholders to address potential violence concerns.

The commission is confident that the election will be held in a secure environment, with 15,000 police personnel deployed to Osun. INEC has also completed the deployment of non-sensitive materials to local government areas, with sensitive materials to be distributed on Friday. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System has undergone a mock accreditation exercise, and INEC is prepared to monitor the election through situational rooms in Osogbo and Abuja.

Oketola cautioned voters against misinformation and urged them to report any irregularities to the proper authorities.