Osun Poll: Accord Petitions Tinubu, IG Over Alleged Police Harassment

The Accord Party has petitioned President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and other key stakeholders over what it described as the alleged harassment, intimidation and arrest of its members and government officials ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

The party also renewed its demand for the removal of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, accusing him of partisanship and alleging that his continued stay in office could undermine the credibility of the forthcoming election.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the National Chairman of the Accord Party, Maxwell Mgbudem, alleged that about 100 party leaders, candidates, members and supporters had been arrested and detained across the state, with some reportedly transferred to Abuja.

According to him, the actions of the police amount to an attack on Nigeria’s democratic process and could compromise the conduct of the governorship poll.

Mgbudem claimed that previous complaints over attacks on the party’s campaign council, offices, supporters and campaign materials were ignored by security agencies.

“Accord is peacefully carrying out its grassroots campaign for the August 15 governorship election in Osun State. We had previously addressed the media on the killing of our leaders and supporters, attacks on the Imole Campaign Council and party offices, and destruction of campaign billboards,” he said.

He alleged that despite reporting the incidents to the police and other security agencies, none of the suspected perpetrators had been arrested or prosecuted.

The party insisted that the alleged failure of the police to act prompted its earlier demand for the removal of the state police commissioner.

“As at today, about 100 Accord leaders, candidates, members and supporters across the state have been arrested and detained by the police, while some were moved to Abuja. It is glaring that these arrests are politically motivated,” Mgbudem stated.

The party appealed to President Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, civil society organisations and the international community to intervene and ensure a level playing field for all political parties participating in the election.

Accord also urged its supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding despite what it described as provocation.

Meanwhile, security agencies have repeatedly assured residents of Osun State that they will remain neutral and provide adequate security before, during and after the August 15 governorship election.