The chairman of the Osun State Chapter of the Accord, Victor Akande, on Friday said the absence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, at the Peace Accord in Osogbo indicated a vivid disregard for violent free election.

Expressing concern over the development, Akande in a press statement noted that Oyebamiji’s absence was a sad reflection of the opposition’s disposition towards peaceful, issue-based electioneering.

Describing the peace accord as a solemn commitment before God, the people and the international community that political actors will conduct themselves responsibly throughout and after the election, the Accord chairman contended no political engagement could have been more significant than a gathering convened to secure commitment of all contestants for peaceful polls.

According to Akande, despite the presence of eminent Nigerians who set aside their personal engagements to appeal for peace, including a former Head of State, respected traditional rulers, revered religious leaders and other distinguished statesmen, Oyebamiji’s absence showed disdain for peace and disrespect for democratic ethos.

The statement reads: “Every serious democrat understands that the Peace Accord is not a mere ceremonial event.
Deliberately staying away from such an important engagement is both unstatesmanlike and deeply disturbing.”

“Governor Ademola Adeleke demonstrated exemplary leadership by personally attending the ceremony despite his demanding official schedule. He was accompanied by the Deputy Governor, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, the leadership of the Accord and several other dignitaries, all in demonstration of the administration’s commitment to peace and democratic values.”

“While Governor Adeleke and other leaders honoured the invitation promptly, the APC deputy governorship candidate only arrived after the Peace Accord had been signed and the programme had effectively concluded.

“That conduct not only diminished the significance of the occasion but also portrayed a disturbing level of indifference to an exercise designed to reassure the people of Osun that political actors are committed to peaceful coexistence.”

Akande further argued that the actions of the APC have unfortunately reinforced growing concerns about the opposition’s attitude towards peaceful electioneering, stressing that a party genuinely interested in governing the people should never treat a peace initiative with such levity.

He, however, advised the people of Osun to take note of the contrasting attitudes displayed by the various political parties by choosing wisely during the August 15 gubernatorial poll in order to guarantee continuous and steady socioeconomic growth of the state.