Accord Party alleges police harassment in Osun

Ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Nigeria — Osun State, Nigeria, the Nigeria — Accord Party has petitioned President Bola Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and other stakeholders, alleging widespread harassment, intimidation, and arrest of its members and government officials by the Nigeria — Nigeria Police Force. The party's National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, claimed that about 100 party leaders, candidates, members, and supporters have been arrested and detained across the state, with some transferred to Abuja. Accord also accused the police of collaborating with the opposition Nigeria — All Progressives Congress (APC) to undermine the electoral process, and renewed its demand for the removal of Nigeria — Osun State Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Ghosn, whom it accused of partisanship. The party reported previous attacks on its campaign council, offices, and supporters, which it says were ignored by security agencies. Accord called on national and international stakeholders to intervene to safeguard democracy and ensure a level playing field, while urging its supporters to remain peaceful and residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards. The party expressed confidence in the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke.