Factional Accord Chairman Warns Adeleke Against Linking Criminal Suspects To Party

The factional National Chairman of the Accord Party, Professor Chris Imumolen, has cautioned Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke against describing criminal suspects as members of the Accord Party, insisting that the political platform will not allow its image to be tarnished by individuals facing serious criminal allegations.

Imumolen gave the warning while reacting to recent claims by the Osun State Government and the Imole Campaign Council that more than 60 Accord Party members were being unlawfully detained by the Nigeria Police Force.

In a statement, the Accord Party chairman dismissed the claim, maintaining that those currently under police investigation are not recognised members or stakeholders of the party.

“Our members are not criminals. How can people whose names have consistently been associated with alleged murder and other heinous crimes be tagged as our members?” he queried.

He specifically referenced Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Asipa,” whom he described as a long-wanted murder suspect allegedly arrested at the residence of the Osun State Secretary to the State Government.

“How could you and some government officials refer to Abiodun Arowomole, ‘Asipa,’ who was reported to be a long-wanted murder suspect and was recently arrested at the residence of your Secretary to the State Government, as our party member?” he asked.

Imumolen further alleged that some of those being described as Accord Party members had previously faced criminal charges, including alleged murder and armed robbery, and questioned the circumstances under which they were released before the election period.

He stressed that such individuals could not be identified with the Accord Party.

“The Accord Party is built on the pillars of fairness, justice, and progress. We will not allow our image to be dragged into the mud by defending armed aides or persons whose actions are incompatible with the values of the Accord Party,” he said.

The party chairman also criticised Governor Adeleke for allegedly defending aides arrested with illegal firearms, urging the state government to allow security agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without political interference.

“The police are arresting your aides with guns, and you are defending them. That is completely contrary to what the Accord Party stands for,” Imumolen declared.

He expressed concern over the security situation in Osun State, alleging that individuals with criminal records were being shielded by state actors while falsely presenting themselves as members of the Accord Party.

According to him, such actions are unacceptable to the party’s national leadership and undermine public confidence in the political process.

Imumolen, however, commended the Nigerian judiciary for what he described as a recent Court of Appeal judgment that clarified the party’s leadership structure.

He said the ruling had brought certainty to the party and effectively shut out individuals allegedly attempting to exploit the Accord Party’s platform for personal or criminal interests.

The Accord chairman reaffirmed the party’s commitment to peace, justice, and the rule of law while calling on the Osun State Police Command to investigate and prosecute anyone found guilty of disrupting public peace, irrespective of political affiliation or claims.