By Sandra Kenneth
The leadership of the Accord Party has petitioned President Bola Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, and key international stakeholders over what it described as widespread police harassment, intimidation, and unlawful arrest of its members ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the National Chairman of Accord, Maxwell Mgbudem, raised the alarm that approximately 100 party leaders, candidates, and supporters have been detained across Osun State, with several transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Renewing the party’s call for the immediate redeployment of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, Mgbudem accused the state command of partisan bias capable of compromising the integrity of the upcoming election.
“Accord is peacefully carrying out its grassroots campaign for the August 15 governorship election in Osun State,” Mgbudem said. “We had previously addressed the media on the mindless killing of our leaders and supporters, multiple attacks on the Imole Campaign Council and party offices, and the destruction of campaign billboards by political thugs.”
He expressed dismay that despite formal reports submitted to law enforcement agencies, no arrests or prosecutions have been made against the perpetrators.
“Sadly, none of these known hoodlums was arrested, let alone prosecuted, to serve as a deterrent to others,” he added. “Instead, about 100 Accord leaders, candidates, members, and supporters across the state have been arrested without formal charges. It is glaring that these arrests are politically motivated to frustrate and dampen our campaign efforts.”
Describing the police actions as a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy, the party chief called on President Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the IGP, civil society organizations, and the international community to intervene urgently to guarantee a level playing field.
Despite the alleged provocations, Accord urged its members and supporters across Osun State to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and focused on exercising their franchise at the polls.
