The Accord Party has called for the immediate release of its members allegedly detained by the police in Osun State and demanded the removal of the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The party accused the Osun State Police Command of political bias, alleging that its officials, in collaboration with the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), are carrying out a campaign of intimidation, harassment and unlawful arrests aimed at undermining its electoral chances.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Barrister Maxwell Mgbudem, the party warned that Osun State was preparing for a democratic election, “not a war,” and urged all stakeholders to act swiftly to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
“The danger is very glaring and must be forestalled immediately by all stakeholders in the electoral process to save our hard-earned democracy,” the statement read.
Accord claimed that despite conducting peaceful grassroots campaigns across the state, its leaders, candidates, members and supporters have been subjected to repeated attacks by alleged APC-linked thugs. According to the party, previous incidents—including the killing of members, attacks on its campaign council and offices, and the destruction of campaign billboards—were reported to security agencies but no suspects were arrested or prosecuted.
The party argued that the police’s failure to act against the reported attackers, while allegedly arresting its members, demonstrates partisanship.
According to the statement, about 100 Accord leaders, candidates, members and supporters have allegedly been arrested across the state, with some reportedly transferred to Abuja. The party described the arrests as politically motivated and intended to weaken its campaign.
Accord also alleged that police officers recently raided the residences of six commissioners and the Secretary to the Osun State Government in what it described as “Gestapo-style” operations.
Condemning the alleged arrests and detention of government officials and party members without formal charges, the party described the actions as “draconian and unacceptable.”
“It is ironic that the same police operatives who ignored duly reported attacks on the Imole Campaign Council, party offices, the killing of members and supporters, and the destruction of campaign billboards would now storm the homes of top government officials and arrest several party leaders and members,” the statement added.
The party further alleged that the conduct of the police had reinforced claims by APC leaders about deploying “federal might” to influence the election.
Accord called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, civil society organisations, the international community and other stakeholders to intervene to protect Nigeria’s democratic process.
The party reiterated its demand for the removal of Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan before the governorship election, insisting that doing so would ensure a level playing field for all participating political parties.
It also maintained that it would not be intimidated, expressing confidence that Governor Ademola Adeleke would secure re-election in the August 15 governorship poll.
Accord urged its members and supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding throughout the election period.
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