Accord petitions Tinubu, IG over alleged police harassment
Accord Petitions Tinubu, IGP Over Alleged Police Harassment Ahead of Osun Poll
The Accord Party has petitioned President Bola Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and other key stakeholders over alleged harassment, intimidation, and arrest of its members and government officials ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
The party also renewed its call for the immediate redeployment of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, accusing him of partisanship and warning that his continued stay in office could undermine public confidence in the forthcoming election.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Accord National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, alleged that nearly 100 party leaders, candidates, members, and supporters had been arrested and detained across the state, with some reportedly transferred to Abuja.
Mgbudem described the development as a grave threat to Nigeria’s democratic process, insisting that the alleged actions of the police could compromise the credibility of the governorship election.
According to him, the party had previously raised concerns over attacks on its campaign council, party offices, supporters, and campaign materials, but said security agencies failed to act.
“Accord is peacefully conducting its grassroots campaign across Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election,” he said.
“We have repeatedly condemned the killing of our leaders and supporters, attacks on the Imole Campaign Council and party offices, as well as the destruction of our campaign billboards by thugs. These incidents were duly reported to the police and other security agencies, yet none of the perpetrators has been arrested or prosecuted.”
He argued that the alleged inaction of security agencies informed the party’s earlier demand for the removal of the state police commissioner.
“As of today, about 100 Accord leaders, candidates, members and supporters across the state have been arrested and detained by the police, while some have been moved to Abuja.
“It is increasingly evident that these arrests are politically motivated and designed to frustrate, weaken and undermine our campaign efforts in Osun State,” Mgbudem alleged.
The Accord chairman further condemned what he described as the targeted intimidation and detention of senior government officials, party leaders, and members without formal charges.
Despite the allegations, the party urged its supporters to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and committed to the democratic process.
He called on President Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, civil society organisations, and the international community to intervene and ensure a level playing field for all political parties participating in the election.
“The people of Osun must not be denied their democratic rights. No amount of intimidation or brute force can suppress the will of the electorate. In the end, the ballot remains stronger than the bullet,” the statement added.
Political activities have intensified across Osun State as parties ramp up campaigns ahead of the governorship election, while security agencies have repeatedly assured residents of their neutrality and commitment to maintaining peace before, during, and after the poll
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