• Five candidates sign peace accord in Ibadan by-election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State, yesterday, formally commenced activities that will culminate in the 2026 governorship election in the state, following the pasting of the official notice of election in all 30 local council offices of INEC in the state, including the Area office at Modakeke.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mutiu Agboke, disclosed this at an expanded stakeholders’ meeting/engagement held at the commission’s headquarters in Osogbo.

Addressing the issues of the continuous voter registration, which, according to him, would commence soon, and the forthcoming gubernatorial election, Agboke assured the electorate that their votes would count and that the commission would be transparent and impartial.

ALSO, five candidates contesting the forthcoming by-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency on Wednesday have signed a peace accord. The by-election will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025.

The candidates, who signed the peace agreement, were Dexter Femi Akin-Alamu, African Democratic Congress (ADC), Adewale Haastrup Olatunji, All Progressives Congress (APC), Olabisi Olajumoke Odususi, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Fola Sunday Oyekunle, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Hammed Badmus, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The peace accord was signed at the Oyo State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Parliament Road, Ibadan. The event was attended by leaders of the political parties, security chiefs and other stakeholders.

The election became necessary to fill the vacant position created due to the demise of Musliudeen Olaide Akinremi, who was occupying the seat before his death. He died last year at the age of 51.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Adeniran Tella, while addressing the gathering, noted that the peace accord became necessary to ensure a free and fair election.

Tella noted that the commission is committed to conducting a credible election. He urged the candidates and their supporters to maintain a high level of decorum and sportsmanship throughout the electoral process.

He said: “On behalf of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), it is my pleasure to welcome you all to this significant event, the official signing of the Peace Accord for Ibadan North Federal Constituency By-Election.”