OSUN 2026: Police Broker Peace, Reschedule Accord, APC Final Campaign Rallies
By Pan Afric Reporters OSOGBO
The Osun State Police Command has brokered a peace agreement between the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC), resolving a clash in the dates and venues of their final campaign rallies ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
The agreement was reached at a strategic meeting convened by the Commissioner of Police (Elections), CP Samuel Erale Etaifo, psc, mnips, with the leadership and representatives of the two political parties, as part of measures to prevent possible clashes and preserve the relative peace in the state.
According to a press release dated August 7, 2026, and signed by the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, for the Commissioner of Police (Elections), the meeting was held in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and cooperation.
Accord, APC agree on separate dates
Following deliberations, the two parties reached an amicable resolution on the disputed campaign schedules.
Under the agreement, Accord Party will hold its final campaign rally on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Fakunle, while APC will stage its final campaign rally on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Freedom Park.
The police said the resolution was aimed at preventing circumstances that could trigger confrontation between supporters of the rival political parties or lead to a breakdown of law and order.
CP Etaifo commended the leadership of both parties for demonstrating what he described as maturity, patriotism and commitment to peaceful democratic engagement by choosing dialogue over confrontation.
“The leadership of both political parties demonstrated maturity, patriotism, and a commitment to peaceful democratic engagement by embracing dialogue over conflict,” the statement said.
Police warn against violence
The Commissioner of Police (Elections) also urged political parties and candidates to caution their supporters, loyalists and foot soldiers against actions capable of undermining peace before, during and after the campaigns.
He stressed that the Nigeria Police Force remained neutral and committed to providing adequate security for all lawful political activities, but warned that the Command would not tolerate conduct capable of disrupting peace in Osun State.
“Anyone found engaging in violence, intimidation, thuggery, incitement, or any other act capable of causing a breach of the peace will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Etaifo warned.
Police assure residents of security
The Osun State Police Command further assured residents, political parties and other stakeholders of its commitment to maintaining a secure environment throughout the electioneering period.
The Command urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police formation.
The latest intervention comes as political parties intensify campaigns ahead of the Osun governorship election, with the police stressing the importance of dialogue and responsible conduct in preventing campaign-related violence.
