Accord Petitions Tinubu Over Police Harassment Ahead of Election

The Accord party has formally petitioned President Bola Tinubu and Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu regarding alleged harassment, intimidation, and arrests of its members and officials by the police in the lead-up to the August 15 governorship election in Osun State. The party's National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, stated that around 100 of its leaders, candidates, members, and supporters have been arrested and detained, with some reportedly transferred to Abuja.

Mgbudem accused the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, of partisanship, asserting that his continued presence could jeopardize the election's credibility. The party has previously reported attacks on its campaign council and offices, which were allegedly ignored by security agencies.

Accord condemned the police's actions as politically motivated and called for intervention from various stakeholders to ensure a fair electoral process. The party urged its supporters to remain peaceful and to actively participate in the electoral process.