- The leadership of Accord has submitted a formal petition to President Bola Tinubu and Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, alleging that over 100 of its leaders, candidates, and members have been arbitrarily arrested ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
- Accord renewed its call for the immediate redeployment of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, accusing the state police command of partisan bias and failing to prosecute perpetrators of political violence targeting opposition members.
- Party leaders expressed concern that security forces are being weaponized to intimidate opposition structures, urging international observers, civil society organizations, and federal authorities to step in to protect democratic processes.
The national leadership of Accord has submitted an urgent petition to President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, protesting what it describes as widespread police harassment, intimidation, and illegal detentions of its members ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
Eko Hot Blog reports that in a formal statement released by Accord National Chairman Maxwell Mgbudem, the party decried the mounting pressure on its administrative and campaign machinery in Osun State.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Tinubu Approves Army Expansion, Recruitment of 28,000 Personnel
- Aregbesola Claims Record as First Nigerian Governor to Serve Eight Years Without Owning a House
- Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA Commissions Fully Equipped NSCDC Divisional Headquarters, Donates Patrol Vehicle and Motorcycle to Boost Security
Mgbudem revealed that approximately 100 Accord leaders, key candidates, grassroots organizers, and supporters have been picked up by police officers across the state in recent weeks.
He noted that several of those arrested were whisked out of the state to the Force Headquarters in Abuja without formal charges or clear legal justification.
Accord further reiterated its previous demand for the immediate removal and redeployment of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan.
The party accused Gotan of presiding over an increasingly partisan police command that routinely turns a blind eye to violent attacks, arson, and destruction of campaign materials targeted at opposition members while actively clamping down on non-ruling political groups.
The petition highlights that earlier complaints submitted regarding attacks on the Imole Campaign Council, destruction of party billboards in key local government areas, and assaults on members were systematically ignored by state security personnel.
Mgbudem argued that this institutional inaction has emboldened political thugs to operate with impunity, thereby compromising public safety and undermining confidence in the upcoming electoral process.
Appealing to President Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, civil society coalitions, and international diplomatic bodies, Accord urged federal authorities to guarantee a level playing field for all political parties participating in the August poll.
Despite the heightened political tension, the party urged its members across Osun State to remain peaceful, register for their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and turn out to vote, expressing confidence that democratic participation will ultimately triumph over political intimidation.
FURTHER READING
