Key Takeaways
- Accord claims over 100 of its members were arrested by police.
- The party asserts that these actions are politically motivated to undermine their campaign.
- Accord demands the removal of the Osun State Commissioner of Police for a fair election.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Accord Party has brought serious allegations against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Osun State Police Command. The party claims they are resorting to intimidation tactics ahead of the crucial governorship elections scheduled for August 15. Specifically, Accord states that approximately 100 of its leaders, candidates, and supporters have been arrested in what it describes as a politically motivated initiative to weaken its campaign efforts in the state.
Accord's National Chairman, Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem, emphasized the party's resilience, asserting, “No brute force will break the resolve of the people of Osun from identifying with Accord and its candidate in the upcoming gubernatorial poll. Ultimately, the ballot is stronger than the bullet.” His remarks underscore the party's determination in the face of adversity.
The statement detailed concerns regarding the political climate in Osun State. Accord alleges that the campaign environment has become increasingly hostile, with instances of intimidation and arrests overshadowing the democratic process. Furthermore, the party expressed alarm that some arrested individuals had reportedly been transferred to Abuja, highlighting a strategy aimed at frustrating their campaign efforts.
According to Mgbudem, “As of now, about 100 Accord leaders, candidates, members, and supporters have been arrested and detained by the police. Their arrests are politically motivated, aimed at undermining our party’s activities in Osun State.” These assertions have raised serious questions about the neutrality of law enforcement in the electoral process.
Additionally, Accord pointed to what they described as police invasions of the homes of six commissioners and the Secretary to the State Government. The party criticized the failure of security agencies to act on previous attacks against their campaign offices, supporters, and billboards, further evidencing a perceived bias within the Osun State Police Command.
In reaction to these developments, the party called for intervention from key national figures, including President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser. They reiterated their demand for the Osun Commissioner of Police to be removed prior to the elections, claiming that only such a change could ensure a free and fair electoral process.
Why This Matters
The allegations of political intimidation raise significant concerns about the integrity of the upcoming elections in Osun State, impacting the democratic process and the ability of citizens to participate freely.