Bye-election: Candidates sign peace accord in Ibadan

Candidates jostling for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency seat of House of Representatives on Wednesday signed a peace deal for peaceful conduct before, during and after the August 16, election.

The event, hosted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Oyo state had in attendance the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Adeniran Rahmon Tella who led top management staff of the Commission, the Oyo, Commissioner of Police, Oyo Cmmand, CP Femi Haruna who led other security Commanders, religious leaders, party leaders among other held at the INEC State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

The REC said, although seven political parties conducted primaries that were monitored by the Commission, only five parties made the final list as published by the electoral umpire.

The contestants for the Bye-election, who attended and signed the Peace Accord include: Akin-Alamu Dexter Femi of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Olatunji Haastrup Adewale of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Odususi Olajumoke Olabisi of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Oyekunle Fola of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Hammed Badmus of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

He added that, the essence of Peace Accord is to foster a conductive environment for voters to exercise their rights, ultimately contributing to the legitimacy and credibility of the electoral process.

Dr Tella said, “In line with the timetable, party primaries have been conducted and 7 political parties were monitored by the Commission. Five politicai parties made the final list published by the Commission.

“The parties and candidates that scaled through and that will be contesting in this upcom Bye-Election on Saturday are as follows: Hon. Akin Alamu Dexter Femi of African Democ Congress (ADC), Hon. Olatunji Haastrup Adewale of All Progressive Congress (APC). Odususi Olajumoke Olabisi of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Hon. Oyekunle Fola S of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Hon. Hammed Badmus of Zenith Labour Party respectively.

“The essence of which is to foster a conductive environment for voters to exercise their rights, ultimately contributing to the legitimacy and credibility of the electoral process.

“The Commission had constant engagements with the members of Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) with the Commissioner of Police as the lead Security Agency in this regard. Assurances have been made to ensure safety, protection of lives and property of the electorate before during and after the conduct of the coming election.”

He appealed to all stakehders to adhere to the principles outlined in the Peace Accord saying, “Let us work together to create an environment that allows voters to exercise their rights without fear or intimidation.

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“INEC is committed to conducting a credible election and we appreciate your cooperation in this regard. I encourage all flag-bearers and their supporters to maintain a high level of decorum and sportsmanship throughout the campaign period which incidentally comes to an end tomorrow, the 14th August 2025 accordingly.

“I would like to express my gratitude to all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, traditional leaders, security agencies, especially the Commissioner of Police and other members of Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), the Media and all relevant stakeholders in the electioneering process for their support in promoting peace and stability in the State.”

In the separate remarks in an aside interview shortly after the signing, the candidates of the parties assures strict compliance withe the accord, urging INEC to remain impartial in the conduct of the election.