The party petitions President Bola Tinubu and police authorities, alleging that about 100 members and supporters have been arrested ahead of the August 15 governorship election
The Accord has raised a fresh alarm over what it described as the alleged politically motivated arrest and detention of about 100 party leaders, candidates, members and supporters in Osun State, petitioning President Bola Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu and other stakeholders ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
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The party, in a statement issued on Thursday by its National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, also renewed its call for the removal of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, whom it accused of partisanship and alleged could compromise the credibility of the forthcoming poll.
Mgbudem claimed that about 100 Accord members had been arrested across the state, with some allegedly transferred to Abuja.
The party described the alleged arrests as a troubling development that could weaken its campaign activities and undermine confidence in the electoral process.
The Accord Osun arrests allegations form part of a broader complaint by the party over the conduct of security agencies in the build-up to the election.
According to Mgbudem, the party had previously reported alleged attacks on its leaders and supporters, campaign council, offices and campaign materials to the police and other security agencies, but claimed that no arrests or prosecutions followed.
“Accord is peacefully carrying out its grassroots campaign for the August 15 governorship election in Osun State,” Mgbudem said.
He alleged that the failure to act against those responsible for earlier attacks informed the party’s demand for the removal of the state police commissioner.
“We had previously addressed the media on the mindless killing of its leaders and supporters, multiple attacks on Imole Campaign Council and the party’s offices, and destruction of campaign billboards by thugs,” he said.
“These attacks were duly reported to the police and other security agencies in the state; sadly, none of these known hoodlums was arrested, let alone prosecuted, to serve as a deterrent to others.”
The party alleged that the situation had now taken a different turn, with its members becoming the targets of police action.
“As of today, about 100 Accord leaders, candidates, members and supporters across the state have been arrested and detained by the Police; some of them were moved to Abuja,” the statement said.
Mgbudem alleged that the arrests were politically motivated and intended to disrupt the party’s mobilisation ahead of the election.
“It is glaring that their arrests are politically motivated, to frustrate, weaken and dampen our party’s campaign efforts in Osun State,” he added.
The Accord also condemned what it described as the harassment and intimidation of government officials, party leaders and members without formal charges, urging authorities to investigate the allegations and ensure that the rights of all political actors are protected.
The party’s appeal was directed at the President, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, civil society organisations, the international community and other stakeholders.
It called for urgent intervention to safeguard democratic participation and ensure what it described as a level playing field for all parties contesting the August 15 poll.
Despite its allegations, the party urged its supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, stressing that political disagreements should be resolved through democratic channels rather than confrontation.
The Accord also encouraged Osun residents to participate actively in the election, urging eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and support the party’s candidate.
“No brute force will break the resolve of the people of Osun from identifying with Accord and its candidate in the upcoming gubernatorial poll. In the end, the ballot is stronger than the bullet,” the party said.
The allegations come as political activity intensifies across Osun State, with parties increasing grassroots mobilisation and campaigning ahead of the governorship election.
The claims also underscore the growing importance of security neutrality as the election approaches.
Political parties and civil society groups have repeatedly called on security agencies to maintain impartiality and ensure that voters and candidates can participate without fear or intimidation.
Security agencies have consistently pledged to provide a safe environment for the electoral process and to operate within the law.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no response from the Nigeria Police Force or the Osun State Police Command addressing the specific allegations made by the Accord.
The party’s claims of politically motivated arrests and partisanship therefore remain allegations pending a response from the police or independent verification.
With the election drawing closer, the latest dispute adds to the political tension surrounding the contest and places renewed attention on the responsibility of security agencies to protect democratic participation while maintaining strict political neutrality.
For the Accord, the immediate priority is securing what it considers a fair environment for its candidates and supporters.
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For the wider electorate, the focus will increasingly be on whether all parties can campaign freely and whether the August 15 election can be conducted peacefully and credibly.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
