Accord, Osun Police Trade Claims Over Security Ahead of Governorship Election

The Osun State chapter of the Accord Party and the Osun State Police Command have exchanged conflicting claims over the security situation in the state amid heightened political activities ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Accord Party accused the police of failing to act impartially, alleging that some individuals linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC) had continued to engage in violent activities without being prosecuted.

The statement, signed by the party’s state chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, also alleged that recent security operations reflected selective law enforcement.

According to the party, transport union members who were not aligned with a particular faction had been subjected to arrests and harassment.

“The people of Osun deserve facts, not carefully manufactured stories designed to protect politically connected individuals. Individuals identified as Asiri Eniba, Ojuyobo and D-Law have continued to operate freely despite allegations of involvement in violent incidents,” the statement read.

The party further claimed that incidents of violence, including reported gunfire in Ido-Osun and the alleged takeover of motor parks, had not been thoroughly investigated.

It called on the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to order what it described as a comprehensive and impartial investigation into recent disturbances across the state.

Accord also urged the police to end what it described as arbitrary arrests of transport union members, insisting that law enforcement actions should be based on credible evidence rather than political considerations.

Responding in a separate statement, the Osun State Police Command denied the allegations of political bias, maintaining that it remained committed to professionalism, neutrality and the rule of law.

The command, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, said it had never provided protection for any political party, individual or group.

According to the police, all security operations in the state are intelligence-driven and evidence-based, not influenced by political statements or social media reports.

“The Nigeria Police Force is a non-partisan institution established by law to protect lives and property, preserve public order, and enforce the law without fear or favour,” the statement said.

The command added that several suspects linked to breaches of public peace had been arrested, investigated and charged to court where sufficient evidence existed, while investigations into other reported incidents were ongoing.

It also disclosed that some suspects in custody had allegedly confessed to plans to procure arms and ammunition to carry out further acts of violence.

The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed that no individual is above the law and dismissed allegations of selective arrests, insisting that political affiliation or union membership neither justifies arrest nor grants immunity from investigation.