The National Chairman of the Accord Party, Maxwell Mgbudem, has called for the immediate release of party members and supporters allegedly arrested during the recently concluded Osun State governorship election.
Mgbudem made the demand on Monday while reacting to the victory of Governor Ademola Adeleke in the August 15 governorship election. He appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to ensure that those still in custody are released, arguing that the election had ended and there was no reason for their continued detention.
The Accord chairman alleged that some of the party’s leaders, candidates, members and supporters were arrested and detained in Osun, Abuja and Nasarawa during the election period. He said their continued detention was a matter of concern and called for police intervention.
He also alleged that the election period was marked by harassment, intimidation, property destruction, arrests, violence and killings. According to him, these incidents created fear among some residents and political actors during the electoral process.
Mgbudem said Accord participated in the election through democratic means and maintained that political disagreements should not lead to violence or the violation of citizens’ rights.
He further called on the Federal Government to release funds allocated to local government areas in Osun State. He alleged that the withholding of the allocations was being used to put pressure on the state government and could affect the delivery of basic services to residents.
The Accord chairman appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the local government funds are made available, saying the money was intended for grassroots development and should not become part of political disputes.
Mgbudem described Adeleke’s victory as a result of the decision of Osun voters and urged political parties and their supporters to accept the outcome peacefully. He called on all stakeholders to put the interest of the state above personal and party interests.
He also urged the newly re-elected governor to use his renewed mandate to improve governance, promote development and ensure that government programmes reach communities across the state.
The Accord chairman commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, civil society organisations, election observers and other groups involved in the conduct of the election.
He said the conclusion of the Osun election offered an opportunity for political actors to learn from the process and work towards better elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mgbudem also congratulated the people of Osun State and called on political parties and their supporters to maintain peace as the state moves beyond the election.