The Accord Party has accused the Osun State Police Command of targeting its members and government officials ahead of the August 15 governorship election, alleging politically motivated arrests, intimidation and harassment.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Chairman, Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem, the party claimed that about 100 of its leaders, candidates, members and supporters had been arrested across the state, with some reportedly transferred to Abuja.
Accord alleged that the arrests were aimed at weakening its campaign, describing the development as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
The party also alleged that police operatives carried out raids on the residences of six commissioners and the Secretary to the State Government, describing the operations as “Gestapo-style” and an abuse of democratic norms.
According to the statement, previous attacks on the party’s leaders, supporters, campaign offices and billboards had been reported to security agencies, but no suspects had been arrested or prosecuted.
Accord said the alleged failure of the police to act against those responsible for the attacks, while arresting its members, demonstrated partisanship by the Osun State Police Command.
The party renewed its call for the removal of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, ahead of the election, alleging that he had compromised his neutrality.
It also demanded the immediate release of all detained members, insisting that no charges had been filed against them.
Accord appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, civil society organisations and the international community to intervene and ensure a peaceful and credible governorship election.
The party urged security agencies to allow Osun residents to exercise their voting rights without intimidation or violence, stressing that the election should be conducted in a free and fair atmosphere.
Expressing confidence in its chances at the poll, Accord said it would not be intimidated and called on its supporters to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding throughout the electoral process.
“The ballot is stronger than the bullet,” the party stated.
