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Accord Assembly Candidates Allege Political Harassment, Seek IGP's Intervention in OsunSunday, July 26, 2026 | AccordWat...
26/07/2026

Accord Assembly Candidates Allege Political Harassment, Seek IGP's Intervention in Osun

Sunday, July 26, 2026 | AccordWatch | Osogbo

Candidates of the Accord Party for the National and State Assemblies in Osun State have accused the Osun State Police Command of engaging in what they described as politically motivated harassment and arrests of the party's leaders and members ahead of the forthcoming elections.

The allegations were contained in a press conference addressed on Sunday in Osogbo by the Accord candidate for Ede Federal Constituency, Hon. Bamidele Salam, on behalf of the party's candidates.

The candidates called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), INEC, civil society organisations, the National Human Rights Commission and the international community to closely monitor political developments in Osun State, alleging a growing pattern of intimidation targeted at Accord members.

Concerns Over Arrests of Party Members

The party expressed concern over the arrest of its candidate for the Ijesa South Federal Constituency, Mr Popoola Alaba, alleging that he was transferred to Abuja following his arrest.

According to the candidates, the Osun State Police Command stated that the arrest followed a petition but did not disclose the identity of the petitioner or indicate whether the candidate had first been invited for questioning before his arrest.

The Accord candidates argued that the circumstances surrounding the arrest raised concerns about due process and called on the police to provide greater transparency.

The party also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Barrister Olaniyan Sodiq, an Accord member from Ward 4, Ido-Osun in Egbedore Local Government Area, who they alleged was arrested after questioning what he considered interference in the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards.

Allegations of Planned Clampdown

The candidates further alleged that they had received intelligence suggesting plans to arrest additional Accord leaders, including the party's Osun East Senatorial candidate, Hon. Ibukun Fadipe, and other members within the Ijesa axis.

They also alleged that there had been a meeting involving the Osun State Commissioner of Police, another security chief and Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, where plans were allegedly discussed to target Accord leaders through arrests and detention.

The speakers, however, did not present evidence to substantiate the allegations during the press conference.

Appeal to President Tinubu and Security Agencies

The Accord candidates appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene by ensuring that security agencies remain neutral before, during and after the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.

They also urged the Inspector-General of Police to investigate what they described as alleged collaboration between some security officials and political actors, while calling for an independent investigation into claims of planned intimidation, unlawful arrests and the alleged recruitment of unauthorised security operatives.

Call for Peaceful Elections

Despite their concerns, the candidates reaffirmed the Accord Party's commitment to peaceful, issue-based and democratic participation in the forthcoming elections.

They called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association, the National Peace Committee, civil society organisations and the media to closely monitor developments in Osun State to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

The candidates maintained that democratic institutions must remain impartial and that all political parties should be allowed to participate freely without intimidation or harassment.

As of the time of filing this report, the Osun State Police Command had not issued any fresh response to the specific allegations raised during the press conference.

Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem, National Chairman of the Accord, alongside Barr. Pelumi Olajengbesi, Spokesperson of the Imole Ca...
26/07/2026

Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem, National Chairman of the Accord, alongside Barr. Pelumi Olajengbesi, Spokesperson of the Imole Campaign Council.
The light must continue to shine in Osun.

AccordWatch

Governor Adeleke Celebrates Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon at 79, Hails Living Legend of Yoruba Heritage.
25/07/2026

Governor Adeleke Celebrates Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon at 79, Hails Living Legend of Yoruba Heritage.

Imole Campaign Council Seeks International Scrutiny of Osun Governorship ElectionBy AccordWatch The Imole Campaign Counc...
25/07/2026

Imole Campaign Council Seeks International Scrutiny of Osun Governorship Election

By AccordWatch

The Imole Campaign Council (TICC), the campaign organisation of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has called for increased international attention ahead of the August 15 governorship election, describing the poll as a significant test of Nigeria's democratic institutions.

As part of its efforts, the council submitted a petition to the British High Commission in Abuja, urging the diplomatic mission, international observer groups and civil society organisations to closely follow developments before, during and after the election.

Addressing journalists after the submission of the petition, the council's spokesperson, Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi, said the appeal was driven by concerns about the political atmosphere in Osun State and the need to protect the integrity of the electoral process.

According to Olajengbesi, the outcome of the election will carry implications beyond Osun State, serving as an important indicator of Nigeria's preparedness for future nationwide elections, particularly the 2027 general election.

He expressed confidence in the capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a credible poll but stressed that public confidence would also depend on the neutrality and professionalism of security agencies assigned to election duties.

The campaign council alleged that the Osun State Police Command had not demonstrated the level of impartiality expected of it, claiming that the state's Commissioner of Police had acted in a manner that favoured a political interest. The council urged the Inspector-General of Police to review the deployment of senior police officers in the state ahead of the election.

Olajengbesi also raised concerns over recent incidents of political violence, alleging that some reported attacks and killings had not been adequately investigated and that those responsible had yet to face prosecution. He argued that prompt and impartial enforcement of the law would strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.

The council further alleged that some individuals had taken control of motor parks in parts of the state, warning that such developments could affect election-day logistics if left unchecked. It called on security agencies to ensure that all aspects of the election are managed in a secure and orderly environment.

Appealing to both national and international stakeholders, the campaign council urged the Federal Government, INEC, security agencies and accredited observer missions to work together to safeguard the credibility of the election. It maintained that every eligible voter should be able to cast a ballot freely, without intimidation, coercion or interference.

Olajengbesi emphasised that the petition was not intended to seek any special advantage for Governor Ademola Adeleke or his campaign. Rather, he said, the objective was to encourage strict compliance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act, ensuring that the election reflects the genuine will of the people of Osun State.

With political campaigns gathering momentum across the state, attention is increasingly turning to the preparations being made by electoral officials, security agencies and political parties. The August 15 governorship election is expected to attract wide local and international interest, with many observers viewing it as an important measure of Nigeria's commitment to peaceful, transparent and credible democratic elections.

As the countdown to the poll continues, stakeholders have continued to urge political parties, their supporters and state institutions to uphold the principles of fairness, restraint and respect for the rule of law, placing the interests of the electorate above partisan considerations.

Governor Adeleke Inspects Sabotaged Section of LAMECO Bridge Area, Condemns Anti-Development PoliticsOSOGBO- 24/07/2026 ...
25/07/2026

Governor Adeleke Inspects Sabotaged Section of LAMECO Bridge Area, Condemns Anti-Development Politics

OSOGBO- 24/07/2026 - Osunstate.gov.ng

Governor Ademola Adeleke, this evening inspected the sabotaged section of LAMECO bridge area at Osogbo and condemned the incident and similar reported case on Lagere flyover, berating politicians sponsoring vandalisation of public infrastructures.

The governor who took briefing from engineers from the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure expressed sadness that some politicians can sabotage a public infrastructure in their quest to blackmail the government, noting that “This is no longer politics.

“Election is about the people voting for the leaders of their choice. Our job as politicians is to market our plans and records. Why would any genuine politician arrange to destroy a beautiful edifice like the Lameco bridge because of an election? That conduct is a hate crime against the people of Osun state.

“It is so immoral that Osun APC is not even ashamed of its masterminding such sabotage. I call on politicians to play the politics of development. These infrastructures were built with public funds. Why should we endanger the lives of our people and waste public resources simply because of elections?”, the governor wondered.

Governor Adeleke who commended the engineers from the Ministry of Works for their prompt action further directed immediate security surveillance on all major public infrastructures in the state.

“I hereby direct immediate surveillance and monitoring of key infrastructures. We must secure public assets in the best interest of the state and her residents”, the governor was quoted as saying.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.

24/07/2026

Gov Ademola Adeleke & TICC in Osu

Adeleke Commissions First Phase of 3.5km Ila Dual CarriagewayBy AccordWatch — Friday, July 24, 2026Osun State Governor, ...
24/07/2026

Adeleke Commissions First Phase of 3.5km Ila Dual Carriageway
By AccordWatch — Friday, July 24, 2026

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has commissioned the first phase of the 3.5km Ila-Orangun dual carriageway, delivering on a promise made when the project was flagged off in July 2025. The commissioning marks another milestone in what has become one of the defining infrastructure chapters of his administration, promising enhanced commerce, mobility, and safety for residents.

Ila-Orangun is no ordinary town. It is one of the oldest settlements in Yorubaland, once the seat of an ancient city-state, and today home to the Osun State College of Education, the Police Training College, and the Federal University of Health Sciences. For a community steeped in centuries of history, a modern dual carriageway is more than asphalt — it is a bridge between heritage and progress.

At the original flag-off ceremony, Governor Adeleke said the first phase of the project would cover a 3.5-kilometre stretch and would be completed within ten months. That promise has now been fulfilled. The road forms part of a larger vision — a 39-kilometre corridor eventually linking Osogbo, Ikirun, Inisha, Okuku, Ijabe, and the Kwara State boundary at Ila Odo.

The Governor has consistently reaffirmed his personal investment in seeing the project through, telling his project supervisors earlier this year: "I want to see Ila Orangun people driving on their new dual carriageway."

For traders who once battled narrow, worn-out roads to move goods to market, the new carriageway promises smoother, faster movement — a lifeline for local commerce. For families, it means safer school runs and easier trips to the hospital. For a town that has waited over a decade — since the original road project was first awarded back in 2012 — this is a moment of quiet, hard-earned relief.

The Ila-Orangun road joins a growing list of Adeleke-era infrastructure milestones — dual carriageways in Ilesa, Ede, and Iwo, alongside flyovers in Ile-Ife and Osogbo — as the state government continues its township modernisation drive across Osun State.

With Phase One now commissioned, attention turns to the Ila–Ora–Oke Ila road rehabilitation and the remaining stretch toward Ila Odo — the next chapters in reconnecting Osun's towns to opportunity, across many roads and communities at once.

AccordWatch

Osun Accord Welcomes Gov Adeleke & TICC to Atakumosa West Local Government
24/07/2026

Osun Accord Welcomes Gov Adeleke & TICC to Atakumosa West Local Government

PRESS STATEMENTJuly 23, 2026APC's Attacks on Osun People Expose the Failure of Its Campaign and Fear of Imminent DefeatT...
23/07/2026

PRESS STATEMENT
July 23, 2026

APC's Attacks on Osun People Expose the Failure of Its Campaign and Fear of Imminent Defeat

The Imole Campaign Council (TICC) has noted with applause the resilience, courage, and unwavering determination of the good people of Osun State in the face of renewed attacks by political thugs linked to the Osun APC.

We take pride in the calm and resolve of the people of Osun, who remain focused on issues, performance, and conversations that advance our state. We urge all citizens to continue their lawful activities peacefully and not be distracted from the work of progress.

The commitment of the people to perform their civic responsibilities, rather than being distracted by what we consider the APC's campaign of provocation remains the strength of our democracy.

We commend the resoluteness of Osun citizens who continue to stand firm despite renewed attacks by political thugs associated with the Osun APC. Such actions only expose the party's dwindling support and fear of imminent defeat.

The APC's frustration and renewed attacks are borne out of public rejection and the failure of its campaign to gain traction across Osun State. Despite importing crowds, the Osun APC was rejected in major towns across the state. We can only condole with the Osun APC. Lacking the goodwill to campaign freely, the party has chosen violence as a tool to intimidate voters and suppress civic participation.

This violent approach will not work. The people of Osun are discerning and know the truth. They know how to respond to any political party that orchestrates violent acts against them. We are confident that, despite these attacks, citizens will come out on August 15, 2026, and express their will by voting massively for the Accord Party candidate, Governor Ademola Adeleke.

We urge all citizens who registered to vote to visit their nearest ward collection centres to pick up their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). Your PVC is your power. It is the instrument through which you can defend the mandate you gave to Governor Ademola Adeleke and secure the future we are building together. We also call on the Osun APC to caution its supporters against disrupting PVC collection centres.

Let no one deceive you. The Osun APC has exhausted its ideas, goodwill, and public trust. While Governor Ademola Adeleke is steering the state towards prosperity, including improved welfare for civil servants, it is evidently uncomfortable for a party whose record, in our view, left many workers facing hardship and poverty.

Osun belongs to all of us. Together, we will protect our peace and our progress.

Pelumi Olajengbesi
Spokesperson
The Imole Campaign Council (TICC)

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Lagos

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