Osun guber: ‘Allow free election to hold’ – Accord to Tinubu after EFCC action

Accord has said that it is strongly against the freezing of the Osun State government accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC days before the 2026 governorship election in the state.

The Osun ruling party described the EFCC action as injustice, illegality, impunity and recklessness which will never be allowed to stand.

The party in a statement signed by its National leader, Chief Maxwell Mgbudem, called on President Bola Tinubu to allow a free election in Osun State.

Accord Party warned that any attempt to capture the state by the federal might shall fail, adding that the people have rejected the All Progressives Congress, APC in the state .

“It’s part of the wider plot to use the police and federal agencies to capture Osun State for the opposition All Progressives Congress which the people have since rejected having brought untold hardship and misery to them,” Accord said.

“This unconstitutional action of the EFCC shall be challenged in court as the temple of justice and last hope of all aggrieved citizens.

“In a haste to cripple the state, the anti-graft agency could not obtain a court order to freeze the government accounts conscious of the fact that the court would not grant it.

“It is obvious that EFCC is acting a script along with the police in the state to paralyze and frustrate government activities to pave way for the opposition APC. The timing of this grand plot to destabilise the state ahead of the gubernatorial poll is evident.”

Accord said it had earlier raised alarm of the plot to deploy the federal might to subdue Osun residents and make the state ungovernable, adding that “The EFCC reprehensible action days to the crucial election is one of them. Like other plots against the good people of Osun State it shall fail.”

However, Accord said it is confident that the rule of law will again prevail as obtainable in the infamous plot to de-register the party along with four others.

It added, “Nigerians will continue to resist glaring assaults on the nation’s hard-earned democracy by reactionary forces.”

Accord called on President Bola Tinubu “to allow a free, fair, credible and peaceful governorship election in Osun State on 15th August 2026, by ensuring that the security agencies particularly the police are neutral, impartial and professional in their conduct before, during and after the poll.

“As Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Tinubu is obliged to safeguard lives and property in the federation and ensure security agencies do not violate their rules of engagement in this critical civic exercise.

“Unfortunately, political tension is high in Osun State due to glaring police interference, harassment, intimidation, arrest and detention of Accord members and supporters across the state as if Osun is at war. The police have become so partisan and desperate in their support for the opposition APC in the state which makes their neutrality questionable. It is unpatriotic, unprofessional and unacceptable.

“Election ought to be the beauty of democratic governance and not a war front. There is no need for the rule of might in citizens’ quest for political participation.

“Nigerians will not tolerate any manipulation of Osun governorship election to impose an unpopular candidate on the people. Voters should be allowed to make their choices.

“The party will no longer stand by and watch its members being maltreated and killed because of their political affiliation often in the presence of security agents.

“The ambition of any politician does not worth the blood of fellow compatriots. This politics of bitterness and brigandage must stop forthwith.

“The president should call to order the overzealous security agents, the EFCC and anti-democratic forces in Osun State, and ensure that INEC is given a free hand to conduct the governorship election.”

Accord further demanded the unconditional release of all its members and supporters detained in Abuja, Osun and Nasarawa States in flagrant violation of their fundamental rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended. Citizens’ right to freely choose their governor is sacrosanct, and their mandate must be respected by all.

“Osun people will resist any attempt to rig or manipulate the governorship election. It is wisdom to learn from the past gubernatorial polls in the western region, avoid political upheavals and tow the path of patriotism, dignity, integrity and professionalism in the conduct of the election,” it said

“Osun residents are peace-loving and want to participate in the election devoid of fear of police harassment and arrest. That’s why the party urges President Tinubu to allow a free election. It will be to his credit that the Osun governorship is credible, transparent and acceptable.”