By Ayodele Oni
National Chairman of the Accord Party, Chief Maxwell Mgbudem, has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Mr Tunji Disu, to order the release of the detained party members, arguing that the election had been concluded and there was no justification for their continued detention.
The Accord chairman made the demand in a statement on Monday while reacting to the victory of the party’s candidate and incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, in the August 15 governorship election.
Mgbudem, however, said his immediate concern remained the release of Accord leaders, candidates, members and supporters whom he alleged were arrested and detained in Abuja, Nasarawa and Osun states.
He described their continued detention as a violation of their fundamental rights and urged the Inspector-General of Police to intervene.
The Accord chairman argued that the conclusion of the governorship election should be considered in reviewing the continued detention of the party members.
“It is in the interest of justice and equity to release them immediately. The election is over, there is no need for their detention.”
He described Adeleke’s victory as a triumph of courage over fear and intimidation, saying the outcome demonstrated the determination of the people of Osun State to freely choose their governor despite what he described as attempts to suppress the party and its supporters.
According to Mgbudem, the election represented a significant moment for Nigeria’s democracy, as the electorate demonstrated its resolve to protect its votes and participate actively in the democratic process.
He described Adeleke’s victory as “a powerful testament of the people’s resolve to freely and peacefully choose their governor and protect their votes in spite of all odds.”
Mgbudem alleged that the electioneering period was characterised by what he described as “unusual harassment, intimidation, destruction of property, arrests, detention, killings and the use of federal might”, particularly through the police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He alleged that the actions were aimed at suppressing the Accord Party, the Osun State Government and what he described as peace-loving residents of the state.
The Accord chairman also alleged that the withholding of federal allocations due to local government areas in Osun State was part of efforts to weaken the Adeleke administration and make the state ungovernable.
He claimed that the alleged objective was to destabilise the state government and create conditions that could eventually pave the way for the declaration of a state of emergency.
Mgbudem therefore appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release the federal allocations allegedly being withheld from the state’s local government areas, arguing that the funds were meant for grassroots development and should not be used as a political weapon.
According to him, the people of Osun State should not be made to bear the consequences of political disagreements, stressing that local government funds should be made available for the provision of basic services and development at the grassroots.
Despite what he described as pressure on the party and the state government, Mgbudem said the people of Osun remained firmly behind Adeleke and the Accord Party, turning out in large numbers during the campaign and other political activities.
He attributed the governor’s re-election to what he described as the electorate’s recognition of the achievements of the Adeleke’s administration and its desire for continuity, inclusive governance and further development.
Mgbudem said Accord prepared for an election and not a war, stressing that the party believed in the supremacy of the ballot over violence.
“It was indeed the triumph of courage over fear and intimidation. The people have spoken loud and clear with their votes. They have in one accord renewed the mandate of their beloved Governor Adeleke. They have voted for continuity, compassionate and inclusive governance.”
The national chairman dedicated the victory to the people of Osun State, whom he said had demonstrated their commitment to democratic participation and the defence of their votes.
He commended Nigerians, civil society organisations, local and foreign election observers, the international community, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for their respective roles in the electoral process.
Mgbudem also commended President Tinubu, while urging all stakeholders to continue to support democratic values, peaceful political participation and national unity.
He declared that with the election concluded, the people of Osun State were the ultimate winners. “There is no victor, no vanquished,” he said.
The Accord chairman called on all political parties, candidates, members and supporters to close ranks and work together for the development of Osun State.
He also commended candidates of various political parties who stepped down in support of Adeleke, describing the development as a demonstration of political alliance, cooperation and partnership capable of deepening Nigeria’s democracy.
According to him, the interest of Osun State must remain greater than individual or partisan interests.
“Osun State belongs to all its citizens. The interest of the state is greater than individual and political interests,” he said.
