Accord Party Candidates Call for President Tinubu’s Intervention
Candidates from the Accord Party contesting for positions in the National Assembly and State House of Assembly in Osun State have appealed to President Bola Tinubu for intervention against what they describe as harassment and intimidation by police ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election on August 15.
Concerns Over Police Actions
During a press briefing in Osogbo, Bamidele Salam, the House of Representatives candidate for Ede Federal Constituency, emphasized the urgent need for the immediate release of detained party members. He expressed serious concerns regarding the Osun State Police Command’s recent actions, which they argue are indicative of a systematic pattern of politically motivated arrests targeting Accord Party members.
Recent Arrests Raise Alarm
The candidates highlighted alarming incidents, including the detention of Mr. Popola Ibrahim, their House of Representatives candidate for Ijesa South Federal Constituency, who has reportedly been transferred to Abuja. They further mentioned the arrest of Mr. Sodiku Olaniyan, a lawyer and party agent from Ido-Osun in the Egbedore Local Government Area.
Lack of Transparency in Arrests
Concerns were raised about the police’s lack of transparency in these arrests. The candidates pointed out that the police did not disclose the identity of the complainant related to Ibrahim’s arrest nor confirmed whether he was given an opportunity to respond before being detained. Olaniyan also alleged he was arrested following his challenge to perceived unlawful interference by the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding the distribution of permanent voter cards by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Accusations of Partisanship
The candidates asserted that the Nigeria Police Force is constitutionally obligated to safeguard lives and uphold the law. They expressed dismay that recent actions in Osun State suggest that the police are increasingly leaning towards partisanship, engaging in what they termed frivolous arrests and baseless charges against prominent figures within the Accord Party.
Warning of Further Repression
According to the candidates, there are reports that Hon. Ibukun Fadipe, the senatorial candidate for Osun East, along with several other party leaders, is also facing potential arrest using similar dubious methodologies employed against Ibrahim. They argued that this pattern poses a grave threat to democracy in Osun State.
Call for Neutrality and Monitoring
In light of these developments, the candidates urged President Tinubu to direct the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and other security agency heads to uphold neutrality and professionalism during the electoral process. They also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association, and various stakeholders to actively monitor the situation in Osun State, reaffirming their commitment to a peaceful and democratic electoral process.
