Accord Petitions Tinubu, IG Over Osun Police Harassment

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

The party made the move on Thursday, saying the actions of security operatives could affect the credibility of the election if not addressed.

The party also renewed its call for the removal of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, accusing him of failing to remain neutral. According to the party, allowing the police chief to remain in office throughout the election could weaken public confidence in the electoral process.

In a statement issued by its National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, the party said nearly 100 of its leaders, candidates, members and supporters had been arrested and detained in different parts of Osun State. It added that some of those arrested were later taken to Abuja.

The Accord Party said the arrests were politically motivated and aimed at slowing down its campaign activities before the governorship poll. It maintained that its members had been carrying out peaceful grassroots campaigns across the state when the arrests began.

The party also recalled that it had earlier reported attacks on its campaign council, offices, supporters and campaign materials to security agencies. According to the statement, despite those reports, no suspect was arrested or prosecuted, a situation it believes encouraged further attacks.

It said the continued failure to act on previous complaints was one of the reasons it earlier demanded the removal of the state police commissioner. The party insisted that the recent arrests of its members and government officials have added to its concerns over the conduct of the police in the state.

Accord urged President Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, civil society organisations, the international community and other stakeholders to intervene and ensure that all political parties are given equal opportunities to campaign and participate freely in the election.

The party also appealed to its supporters to remain peaceful and obey the law despite the situation. It encouraged eligible residents of Osun State to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and take part in the governorship election.

Campaign activities have continued to gather pace across Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with political parties increasing their mobilisation efforts.

Meanwhile, security agencies have repeatedly assured the public that they will remain neutral and provide adequate security before, during and after the election.