The Accord Party has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to direct the police and other security agencies to stay neutral before, during and after the Osun State governorship election scheduled for 15 August, alleging that its members are facing intimidation and unlawful arrests.
The party made the appeal on Sunday at a press conference, warning that public confidence in the election could suffer if security agencies fail to protect the rights of all political parties.
With less than three weeks to the governorship poll, political parties are stepping up campaigns while attention is turning to the role of security agencies in ensuring a peaceful and credible election.
Accord said equal treatment of all contestants is necessary to protect the democratic process and prevent unnecessary tension in the state.
Addressing journalists on behalf of the party’s National and State Assembly candidates, Accord’s candidate for Ede Federal Constituency, Hon. Bamidele Salam, urged the President to intervene over what he called the harassment and persecution of the party’s leaders and supporters.
He asked President Tinubu to direct the Inspector-General of Police and other security chiefs to remain impartial and uphold the rule of law throughout the election period.
Salam said: “We call on Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to intervene in the disturbing trend of Police harassment, intimidation, 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 rule of law and protection of constitutionally guaranteed rights in Osun State before, during and after the August election.”
The party linked its appeal to what it alleged were several arrests of its members in different parts of Osun State. It maintained that political parties should be allowed to campaign freely without fear of intimidation.
Accord also demanded the immediate release of its House of Representatives candidate for Ijesa South Federal Constituency, Alaba Ibrahim Popoola, and Sodiq Akinola Olaniyan, a law student whom it said is being held over allegations of cyberstalking.
Salam called for the release of every person the party believes was arrested without lawful justification.
He also asked the Inspector-General of Police to investigate what the party alleged was collaboration between Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Gotan, and Senator Fadahunsi in targeting Accord leaders before the governorship election.
The party appealed to the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association, the National Peace Committee, civil society groups and the media to monitor events in Osun State and defend democratic rights.
Accord maintained that it would continue to participate peacefully in the election and urged institutions responsible for protecting democracy to closely watch events in the state.
Salam said the party was committed to issue-based campaigns and lawful political participation as the election draws nearer.
He also warned that history would judge institutions and individuals by the roles they play during the election period, urging authorities to ensure that constitutional rights are protected and that every political party has a fair opportunity to campaign and contest without intimidation.