By John Dike, Osogbo
The police have brokered a peace agreement between the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the scheduling of their final campaign rallies for the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
The intervention, meant to avert could possible clashes between supporters of both parties, and led by the Commissioner of Police (Elections), CP Samuel Erale Etaifo.came amid heightened political activities across the state as parties intensify campaigns ahead of the crucial poll.
According to the state police command, the meeting, attended by the leadership and representatives of both the Accord Party and the APC, was convened following a disagreement over the dates and venues of their planned grand finale rallies.
It said the move formed part of proactive measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful, credible and violence-free election, while preventing any breakdown of law and order that could arise from overlapping political activities.
The meeting, which was held in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and cooperation, ended with both political parties agreeing to adjust their schedules in the interest of peace and public safety.
According to the agreement reached, the Accord Party will now hold its final campaign rally on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Fakunle, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) will stage its grand finale campaign on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Freedom Park.
The Commissioner of Police commended the leadership of both political parties for demonstrating political maturity and patriotism by embracing dialogue instead of confrontation.
He described the development as a positive example of democratic engagement and urged other political stakeholders to place the peace and stability of Osun State above partisan interests.
CP Etaifo also appealed to political leaders to caution their supporters, loyalists and campaign teams against violence, intimidation, thuggery, hate speech and other acts capable of undermining the peaceful conduct of the election.
He assured residents that the Nigeria Police Force would remain neutral, professional and committed to providing adequate security for all lawful political activities throughout the election period.
The police commissioner warned that security agencies would not hesitate to arrest and prosecute any individual or group found engaging in acts capable of causing a breach of public peace.
According to him, anyone involved in political violence, incitement, destruction of property or any form of electoral misconduct would face the full weight of the law.
He further reassured the people of Osun State that elaborate security arrangements had been put in place to protect lives and property before, during and after the governorship election.
The command also called on residents, community leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police formation.
The peace accord between the two major political parties comes at a critical period when security agencies have continued to intensify efforts to ensure that the forthcoming governorship election is conducted in a peaceful atmosphere devoid of violence and intimidation.
Political observers believe the successful resolution of the campaign schedule dispute has reduced the likelihood of clashes between rival supporters and will further strengthen public confidence in the security arrangements for the election.
With campaigns entering their final phase, attention is now shifting to the conduct of political parties and their supporters, as security agencies maintain that they will enforce the law without fear or favour to guarantee
