Accord Alleges Police Harassment Ahead Of Osun Guber Election, Demands Release Of Detained Members

Accord has alleged widespread harassment, arrests and intimidation of its members and top government officials ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, warning that Nigeria’s democracy is “on trial.”

In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Chairman, Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem, the party accused the Osun State Police Command of working in collaboration with the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) to undermine the electoral process.

The party said it has been conducting peaceful grassroots campaigns across the state but claimed that its activities have been disrupted by what it described as politically motivated arrests and attacks.

According to Accord, previous incidents involving the alleged killing of its leaders and supporters, attacks on the Imole Campaign Council, destruction of campaign offices and billboards were reported to security agencies, but no suspects were arrested or prosecuted.

The party argued that the failure to investigate those incidents prompted its earlier demand for the removal of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, whom it accused of partisanship.

Accord further claimed that about 100 of its leaders, candidates, members and supporters had been arrested and detained across Osun State, with some reportedly transferred to Abuja.

The party alleged that the arrests were aimed at frustrating its campaign efforts ahead of the election.
It also condemned what it described as “Gestapo-style” operations in which police officers allegedly raided the residences of six commissioners and the Secretary to the State Government.

The statement described the alleged actions as targeted harassment, intimidation and oppression, insisting that those detained had not been formally charged with any offence.

“It is obvious that the Osun State Police operatives are partisan in this election,” the statement said, adding that the development reinforced allegations of attempts to deploy federal influence to sway the election.

Accord called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, civil society organisations and the international community to intervene to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.

The party renewed its demand for the immediate release of all detained members and again called for the removal of Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan before the governorship poll, arguing that such a step would help guarantee a level playing field for all political parties.

Despite its allegations, Accord expressed confidence in its electoral prospects, stating that Governor Ademola Adeleke would be re-elected on August 15 based on what it described as his administration’s achievements.

The party urged residents of Osun State to participate peacefully in the election, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and vote without fear or intimidation.

Accord also appealed to its supporters to remain calm and law-abiding throughout the campaign period, maintaining that democratic participation, rather than violence, should determine the outcome of the governorship election.
“The ballot is stronger than the bullet,” the party declared.