The Accord Party has condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the freezing of the Osun State Government’s accounts ahead of the August 15 governorship election, describing the action as unconstitutional, arbitrary and politically motivated.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Chief Maxwell Mgbudem, the party alleged that the move was part of a broader plan to use federal institutions to influence the outcome of the governorship election in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Accord said it would challenge the EFCC’s action in court, insisting that the anti graft agency froze the state’s accounts without first obtaining a court order.
According to the party, the timing of the action suggests an attempt to cripple government activities and frustrate the administration’s programmes ahead of the election.
The party also alleged that the EFCC was acting in concert with the police to destabilise the state and create an advantage for the opposition, recalling that it had previously warned of alleged plans to deploy federal agencies to interfere in the electoral process.
Accord expressed confidence that the courts would uphold the rule of law, citing what it described as its successful legal challenge against an earlier attempt to deregister the party.
The party called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure a free, fair, credible and peaceful governorship election by directing security agencies, particularly the police, to remain neutral, impartial and professional before, during and after the poll.
It said that as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the President has a constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property and ensure that security agencies operate within the law throughout the electoral process.
Accord further alleged that political tension in Osun State had increased due to police harassment, intimidation, arrests and detention of its members and supporters, claiming that such actions had raised concerns about the neutrality of security agencies.
The party maintained that elections should reflect the principles of democracy rather than intimidation, insisting that voters must be allowed to make their choices freely without fear or coercion.
It also demanded the unconditional release of its members and supporters allegedly detained in Abuja, Osun and Nasarawa states, describing their detention as a violation of their constitutional rights.
Accord urged President Tinubu to rein in security agencies and the EFCC and allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the governorship election without interference.
The party warned against any attempt to manipulate the election, saying the people of Osun should be allowed to decide their next governor through a peaceful, transparent and credible process.
Accord expressed confidence that Governor Ademola Adeleke would secure re-election, describing him as the preferred choice of the people of Osun State.
