Chairmen of 12 political parties in Osun State have announced plans to organise the state’s first-ever Peace Summit ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
The initiative, according to the party leaders, is aimed at promoting dialogue among stakeholders and ensuring a peaceful, credible and violence-free electoral process before, during and after the election.
This was disclosed on Tuesday by the Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr. Tosin Odeyemi, while addressing journalists on behalf of the Forum of Osun State Political Parties Chairmen.
Odeyemi said the decision to convene the summit was informed by the need to bring together key actors in the electoral process for discussions on how to sustain peace and prevent election-related violence in the state.
He explained that the summit would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to collectively agree on measures capable of guaranteeing a free, fair, transparent and inclusive governorship election.
According to him, Osun belongs to all residents irrespective of political affiliation, adding that political leaders have a responsibility to promote peaceful coexistence and democratic values.
He said the forum is committed to ensuring that the forthcoming governorship election is conducted without rancour and called on political actors and residents to embrace tolerance and accommodation.
The NNPP chairman stressed that the party leaders want all contestants and supporters to place the peace and stability of the state above political interests.
He expressed optimism that the summit would help shape a new narrative for elections in Osun and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
Odeyemi noted that the date for the summit would be announced in due course.
He said, “As the gubernatorial election draws near in, we felt there is need for us as party chairmen to gather the stakeholders in the electoral process under a roof for a critical discussion, hence the need for this Peace Summit.
“The main purpose is to map out ways of having a peaceful electoral process, before, during and after the election and reach a conclusive agreement.
“Osun belongs to every one of us regardless of the political party differences and we, as party chairmen, must play our roles of promoting and sustaining a free, fair, credible, transparent, inclusive, and peaceful electoral environment in our dear state.
“It is our wish that this forthcoming election is without any rancour. We want to emphasize the values of tolerance, accommodation, and peaceful living among the residents irrespective of the outcome of August 15, 2026 gubernatorial election.
“The event, which will take place at a date to be announced soon, is first of its kind in Osun and we strongly believe that it will change the narrations of our governorship election.
“That is why we are coming out today to publicly declare what we want, We want peace in our state.”
The forum disclosed that 12 registered political parties are participating in the initiative, including the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Labour Party, National Democratic Congress, Zenith Labour Party, Social Democratic Party and Action Alliance, among others.
