Osun Guber: Accord Accuses Police of Intimidation, Petitions Tinubu, IGP

The Accord Party has accused the Nigeria Police Force of orchestrating a campaign of harassment, intimidation and politically motivated arrests against its members ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
The party has consequently petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, the National Security Adviser and other relevant stakeholders, urging them to intervene to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
Accord also renewed its demand for the removal of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, alleging that his continued presence in the state could compromise the credibility of the governorship poll.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the party’s National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, claimed that nearly 100 Accord leaders, candidates, members and supporters had been arrested and detained across Osun State, with some reportedly transferred to Abuja.
He alleged that the arrests were politically motivated and designed to weaken the party’s grassroots campaign, warning that the development poses a serious threat to democratic governance.
According to Mgbudem, the party had previously reported a series of attacks on its campaign council, party offices, supporters and campaign billboards to security agencies, but no meaningful action was taken against those responsible.
“We had earlier raised the alarm over the killing of our leaders and supporters, repeated attacks on our campaign structures and the destruction of our campaign materials. Despite reporting these incidents to the police and other security agencies, none of the suspected perpetrators has been arrested or prosecuted,” he said.
He argued that the police’s alleged failure to respond to those complaints prompted the party’s earlier call for the removal of the state police commissioner.
The Accord chairman further condemned what he described as the harassment, intimidation, arrest and detention of party officials and members without formal charges, insisting that the actions were aimed at frustrating the party’s participation in the election.
Despite the allegations, the party urged its supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding while continuing their campaigns across the state.
Accord also appealed to President Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, the National Security Adviser, civil society organisations, the international community and other stakeholders to ensure a level playing field for all political parties participating in the election.
The party encouraged eligible voters in Osun State to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate actively in the electoral process, expressing confidence that the will of the electorate would prevail.
“The ballot is stronger than the bullet,” the statement declared.
Campaign activities have intensified across Osun State as political parties step up mobilisation ahead of the August 15 governorship election. Meanwhile, security agencies have repeatedly assured residents of their commitment to maintaining neutrality and providing a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the poll.