Osun 2026: Accord demands release of detained Reps candidate, lawyer
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –
The Accord Party candidates for the National and State Assemblies in Osun State have demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the party’s House of Representatives candidate for Ijesa South Federal Constituency, Mr Popoola Alaba Ibrahim, and a legal practitioner, Mr Sodiq Akinola Olaniyan.
Addressing a press conference in Osogbo on Sunday, the House of Representatives candidate for Ede Federal Constituency, Hon. Bamidele Salam, alleged that Ibrahim was arrested over a petition by an unknown petitioner, while Olaniyan was arrested after allegedly challenging the interference of an All Progressives Congress (APC) leader in the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The candidates accused the Osun State Police Command of partisanship, alleging frivolous arrests and trumped-up charges against prominent members of the Accord Party.
“The Nigeria Police Force is constitutionally established to protect lives and property, uphold the rule of law and serve all citizens without fear or favour.
“Sadly, recent developments in Osun State portray a Police Command that appears increasingly willing to lend itself to partisan interests through frivolous arrests and trumped-up allegations targeted at prominent leaders of our party,” they said.
The party also demanded an independent investigation into the alleged importation of thugs, fake or unauthorised security personnel into Ijesa Land, as well as the alleged unlawful issuance of arrest directives.
It appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and other security chiefs to ensure neutrality, professionalism and adherence to the rule of law before, during and after the August 15 governorship election.
The candidates also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the National Peace Committee, the media and civil society organisations to closely monitor developments in Osun State.
