The Osun State Police Command has pulled off a delicate peace deal between the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC), smoothing over a clash of schedules for their final campaign rallies just days before the August 15 governorship election.
At a high-stakes meeting convened on Friday by the Commissioner of Police (Elections), CP Samuel Erale Etaifo, leaders and representatives from both parties sat down to untangle the knot of overlapping plans. The goal was simple: keep supporters apart before tensions could boil over into street confrontations during the closing stretch of the race.
The talks went off without a hitch, according to a statement from the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, who described the atmosphere as one of mutual understanding and cooperation.
Here is how the deal shook out. The Accord Party will hold its grand finale on Wednesday, August 12, at Fakunle in Osogbo. The APC, for its part, will take the stage the following day, Thursday, August 13, at Freedom Park, also in Osogbo.
The police framed the resolution as a win for common sense, noting that both sides agreed to stagger their events to avoid any spark that could ignite a breakdown of law and order.
CP Etaifo did not mince words in praising the party leadership, lauding their maturity, patriotism, and commitment to peaceful democratic engagement. But he also threw down a challenge: political actors must rein in their supporters, loyalists, and foot soldiers, warning against any moves that could disrupt the peace before, during, or after the campaigns.
The commissioner took the opportunity to reaffirm the Nigeria Police Force’s neutrality, insisting the command would provide security for all lawful political activities without fear or favor. His warning was sharp and unambiguous: anyone caught engaging in violence, intimidation, thuggery, incitement, or any act that could breach the peace would face arrest and prosecution under Nigerian law.
The command also appealed to residents and stakeholders to stay law-abiding and to flag any suspicious activity to the nearest police station without delay.
