The Accord Party has accused the Nigeria Police of partisanship ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, alleging that its members and top government officials are being targeted through arrests and intimidation.
The party called for the immediate removal of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, alleging that he had failed to remain neutral in the build-up to the poll.
National Chairman of Accord, Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem, made the allegations in a statement issued on Sunday, where he also demanded the immediate release of detained party members.
According to him, the party has continued its grassroots campaigns peacefully but has come under what he described as coordinated attacks allegedly involving the All Progressives Congress, the Osun State Police Command and political thugs.
«”While we are preparing for the election, the opposition APC in collaboration with the Osun State Police Command and thugs associated with the APC have been unleashing unprecedented assaults on the nation’s democracy to undermine the governorship poll,” Mgbudem said.»
He alleged that Accord had previously reported attacks on its campaign council, party offices and supporters to security agencies, but claimed that no suspect had been arrested or prosecuted.
Mgbudem said the development compelled the party to demand the removal of the state police commissioner, whom he accused of compromising the neutrality expected of the police.
The Accord chairman further claimed that about 100 party leaders, candidates, members and supporters had been arrested and detained across the state, with some allegedly transferred to Abuja.
“It is glaring that their arrests are politically motivated to frustrate, weaken and dampen our party’s campaign efforts in Osun State,” he alleged.»
The party also condemned what it described as police raids on the residences of six commissioners and the Secretary to the State Government.
Mgbudem described the operations as “Gestapo-style,” insisting they violated democratic principles and professional policing standards.
“This targeted harassment, intimidation, oppression, arrest and detention of top government officials, party leaders and members without charges are draconian and unacceptable,” he stated.»
He further alleged that the same police operatives failed to act on previous reports of killings of Accord members, attacks on party offices and destruction of campaign billboards.
According to him, the conduct of the police has strengthened allegations that federal security agencies are being used to influence the outcome of the election.
The party appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, civil society organisations and the international community to intervene.
Accord reiterated its demand for the removal of the Osun State Commissioner of Police before the election, saying such a step would ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
«”No brute force will break the resolve of the people of Osun. In the end, the ballot is stronger than the bullet,” Mgbudem said.
The party urged its members and supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, while encouraging eligible voters in the state to participate actively in the governorship election.
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