Osogbo Declaration Ahead Of The August 9th Osun State 2014 Gubernatorial Election

PREAMBLE

Recognizing that free, fair and violence free elections depend on political parties adherence to the provisions of the electoral laws and the code of conduct of political parties, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), with the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), convened a high-level stakeholders' meeting of Political Parties, Governorship Candidates, Traditional and Religious leaders, civil society organisations and security personnel in Osun State ahead of the scheduled August 9th 2014 Governorship elections in the State. The meeting, which was held on the 31st of July 2014 at the Palm Crest Hotel and Suites, Osogbo, had in attendance Traditional Rulers, Governorship Candidates, Political Parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Civil Society and the media.

The meeting was convened to get Governorship candidates and their parties, in the presence of their traditional, religious leaders and other relevant stakeholders, to commit to an Electoral Pact to avoid all forms of electoral violence, improper conduct or illegal acts that could throw the state into confusion or chaos in Pre, Election Day and Post-Election phases of the Governorship election.

OBSERVATION
The meeting observed that there are mutual recriminations and violent conflicts already occurring between the political parties; especially in the build up to the Governorship election which is a violation of the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended. In addition, there is a significant disregard by the Political Parties, candidates and their supporters, of the Code of Conduct signed by all Polilitical Parties.

The meeting hereby agrees upon the following:

o That political parties will work with their membership to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended and the Code of Conduct voluntarily endorsed and signed by all political parties in 2013; particularly, Sections 2(1, 4, 6, 7 and 8), 3(1, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16), 4(2, 3, 5, 6, and 7a-h) and 5(1, 4 and 5) of the 2013.

o That it is time for stakeholders to take a definitive stand against electoral violence, impunity and injustice in Osun State as these are detrimental to the peace, welfare and sustained development of the people of the state

o That electoral violence, impunity and injustice are not challenges whose persistence cannot be effectively stopped through collective leadership efforts and change in mindset. Therefore, expressed commitment to leading a process of reducing the predicaments in this election

o That political parties recognize and acknowledge their immense responsibility of promoting, improving and consolidating democracy by building formidable democratic institutions and culture in Osun State;

o That creating an enabling environment for the conduct of peaceful, free and fair Governorship election in 2014 is an imperative for democratic consolidation, improvement and development in the state;

Done in Osogbo this 31st day of July 2014.

Witnessed:

HRM, Oba Joseph Moronfoye Oni: ………………………………………………………………………

HRM, Oba Joseph Afolabi Adekanye: …………………………………………………………………….

HRM, Oba Moshood Olaleke: ……………………………………………………………………………

Alhaji Tanko Yunusa ……………………………………………………………………………………..
(IPAC Chairman)
Mr. Peter Ameh ……………………………………………………………………………………………
(IPAC Secretary)

Idayat Hassan ………………………………………………………………………………………………
(Director, CDD)

Alhaji Hamzat Adeyanju ……………………………………………………………………………………
(Rep. Chief Imam of Ijesaland)

Pst. Adekunle S. K ………………………………………………………………………………………….
(Rep. CAN, Osun State)

Pst. John Adeleke……………………………………………………………………………………………
(Pentecostal Fellowship)

Alh. Tajudeen Adigun………………………………………………………………………………………
(A.D.S. Osogbo)

Alh. Gasali Raji…………………………………………………………………………………………….
(Rep. Chief Imam of Osogbo)

Alh. Muda Akinlade…………………………………………………………………………………………
(Chief Imam of Iwoland)

Rev. (Dr.) Paul O. …………………………………………………………………………………………
(President, Osun Baptist Conference)

Signed:

AA: ………………………………

Accord: …………………………..

ACPN: …………………………..

AD:……………………………….

ADC: ……………………………

APA: ……………………………..

APGA: ……………………………

APC: ………………………………

CPP: .……………………………

LP: …………………………………

MPPP: ……………………………

NCP:………………………………

NNPP:……………………………..

PDM:……………………………….

PDP:………………………………

PPA:………………………………

UDP:………………………………

UPN:……………………………….

UPP:..………………………………

SDP:………………………………..