Ahead of the July 16 guber election, political parties in Osun State have signed a Peace Accord, vowing to eschew any form of uprising capable of truncating the poll.
The treaty was signed at an event held on Thursday, at police headquarters in Osogbo in Osun state.
The political parties that signed the treaty include the representative of the All Progressives Congress, APC, PDP YPP, LP, SDP and others.
Osun Commissioner of Police, Wale Olokode who was represented by his Deputy, Kanayo Val, said it is important to put all political parties and other stakeholders on their toes on the need to abide by all rules and regulations guiding the conduct of peaceful, credible and violence-free elections.
He explained that, “we are all aware that the governorship election in Osun will take place in July this year and political parties have begun necessary and required preparations for the process.
“In accordance with the time table released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the Osun Governorship election, signed by its Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, build-ups to the election would begin February 15, 2022.
”The notice also indicated that February 16 to March 12, 2022 is fixed for political parties to conduct their primaries and resolve disputes that may arise from them while April 17, 2022 is the official date for the commencement of campaigns by parties”, he stated.
He added that political activities, party primaries, consultation visits, campaigns and other are legal so far they are within the confine of the Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The police boss however, enjoined all political parties and groups to play the game by the rules and allow themselves and their activities be guided by the provisions of the Electoral Act.
He said, ‘ I advise politicians and other members of the public who may be supporting political parties to always formally inform the command before embarking on processions, assemblies, campaigns or rallies in order to make necessary security arrangement that would prevent any breakdown of law and order.
”I want to assure all political parties of a free level playing ground before, during and after the election. I also want to assure the entire people of the state that the police will leave no stone unturned in ensuring security of lives and properties before, during and after the election period”.