Concerns over the absence of two major political parties dominated discussions at a Nigeria Police-organised stakeholders’ peace meeting in Osogbo on Wednesday as preparations intensify for the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
Representatives of smaller political parties criticised the failure of the ruling Accord and the All Progressives Congress, APC, to attend the meeting organised by the Osun State Police Command and other security agencies.
The gathering brought together political parties, electoral officials and security stakeholders, who used the forum to advocate peaceful conduct before, during and after the election.
Several participants expressed worries that the absence of the two parties could undermine efforts aimed at promoting a violence-free electoral process in the state.
Speaking at the meeting, the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, Adewale Adebayo, described the boycott as troubling, noting that the parties involved should have participated in discussions designed to foster peace.
“It is scary that the two political parties that have been fingered at one point or another for killing, maiming and harassing each other’s supporters are not here. They need to be here to agree to the terms of peace,” he said.
He added that the APM would continue to work with security agencies to support a peaceful and credible election in Osun State.
The Chairman of the BOOT Party in Osun, Prince Adesoji Adeleke, also faulted the absence of the Accord and the APC, arguing that their participation was essential to the success of the peace initiative.
“The two political parties causing the
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