Accord candidates accuse APC of using Police to terrorize opposition…seek Tinubu’s intervention
By Ismail Azeez
Candidates of the Accord Party for the 2027 National and State Assembly elections in Osun State have accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of using the Nigeria Police Force to intimidate, harass, and persecute opposition members ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The candidates made the allegation during a press conference held on Sunday in Osogbo, where they called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and direct security agencies to remain neutral before, during, and after the election.
Addressing journalists on behalf of the candidates, the Accord candidate for Ede Federal Constituency, Hon. Bamidele Salam, alleged that the Osun State Police Command had embarked on a pattern of politically motivated arrests targeting leaders and members of the party.
He cited the arrest of the party’s candidate for Ijesa South Federal Constituency, Mr. Popoola Alaba Ibrahim, who he claimed was transferred to Abuja following his arrest.
Salam cautioned Senator Francis Fadahunsi against any action capable of undermining public peace, citing allegations that hoodlums were being recruited to impersonate security operatives during the election.
According to Salam, the police failed to disclose the identity of the petitioner behind the allegations against Popoola or indicate whether he was invited for questioning prior to his arrest.
“The police claimed Mr. Popoola Alaba was arrested over a petition from an unnamed petitioner, yet failed to disclose the identity, status, or locus standi of that petitioner. Nigerians deserve to know whether due process was followed.”
“We call on Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to weigh in on the disturbing trend of police harassment, intimidation, and persecution of our party leaders and members in Osun State as we move closer to the August 15 governorship election. Mr. President is also urged to direct the Inspector-General of Police in particular, and all heads of security agencies in general, to maintain neutrality, professionalism, and regard for the rule of law and the protection of constitutionally guaranteed rights in Osun State before, during, and after the August election.”
“We call for the immediate release of Mr. Alaba Ibrahim Popoola, the House of Representatives candidate for Ijesa South; Mr. Sodig Akinola Olaniyan, a law-abiding student detained in a criminal cell on allegations of cyberstalking; and all other persons arrested without reasonable and lawful grounds in various parts of Osun State.”
“The IGP should launch an investigation into the alleged collaboration between CP Gotan and Senator Fadahunsi to witch-hunt Accord leaders ahead of the election. Furthermore, we demand an independent probe into allegations of the importation of thugs and unauthorized security personnel into Ijesaland, as well as the unlawful issuance of arrest directives by Senator Francis Fadahunsi in connivance with certain elements in the Osun State Police Command.”
“We call on the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association, the National Peace Committee, the media, and other bodies to raise their voices and act in defense of the peace-loving people of Osun State, who are currently under an APC political siege aided by officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.”
“Let it be known today, as we have always maintained, that Accord remains committed to peaceful, issue-based, and democratic participation in the forthcoming elections.”
“We call upon the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission, INEC, civil society organizations, the National Human Rights Commission, and all lovers of democracy to closely monitor developments in Osun State before these disturbing trends escalate into a full-blown assault on constitutional democracy. History will judge every institution and every individual according to the role they play at this critical moment,” he said.