Police Avert Showdown As Accord, APC Shift Final Campaign Rallies Ahead Of Osun Poll

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

A potential confrontation between supporters of the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC) was averted on Friday after the Osun State Police Command intervened in a disagreement over the scheduling of the parties’ final governorship campaign rallies.

The intervention, led by the Commissioner of Police (Elections), CP Samuel Erale Etaifo, resulted in both parties agreeing to separate dates and venues for their grand finale campaigns, a move aimed at preventing tension ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The police said the meeting was convened following concerns over a clash in the dates and venues proposed by both parties, a development that raised fears of possible security breaches if left unresolved.

Following deliberations, the Accord Party agreed to hold its final campaign rally on Wednesday, August 12, at Fakunle, while the APC fixed its grand finale for Thursday, August 13, at Freedom Park.

Speaking after the meeting, CP Etaifo praised the leadership of both parties for embracing dialogue and putting the interest of peace above political differences.

He urged political actors to prevail on their supporters to remain peaceful throughout the electioneering period, stressing that the police would remain impartial in providing security for all lawful political activities.

The commissioner, however, warned that the command would not hesitate to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in violence, intimidation, thuggery, incitement or any act capable of disrupting public peace.

He reassured residents that the police, alongside other security agencies, would continue to implement measures to guarantee a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the governorship election.

The successful resolution according to a statement signed by the Command Public Relations Officer DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, comes at a critical stage of the election campaign, with political activities intensifying across the state as parties make final efforts to canvass support before voters head to the polls on August 15.