Osun Police, Accord Trade Words Over Alleged Bias Ahead of Polls

Accord Party Alleges Selective Arrests and Bias

The tension between the Accord Party and the Osun State Police Command escalated in late July 2026 as leadership from the party publicly challenged the police’s handling of election-related security. Pastor Victor Akande, the chairman of the Accord Party, alleged that the police have been engaging in the selective arrest of suspects while simultaneously providing protection for thugs associated with the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to the party, security operatives have abandoned their constitutional responsibility of impartiality in favor of political protection.

The party’s national publicity secretary, Joseph Omorogbe, has formally called for the immediate removal of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan. Omorogbe stated that the Accord Party has lost confidence in the commissioner’s ability to maintain law and order, citing persistent attacks on party members and supporters. The party specifically alleged that its state secretariat, the Imole Campaign Council office, and various campaign billboards have been targeted in acts of political violence. According to Akande, notorious figures continue to operate freely in towns across the state, including Ido-Osun, without meaningful police intervention.

The Accord Party further contends that police officers are targeting non-aligned transport union members through arbitrary arrests and intimidation. Akande alleged that while innocent citizens are left vulnerable, these specific individuals have been seen moving around under security operative protection. The party claims that despite reporting several incidents to both the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Department of State Services (DSS), no prosecutions have been carried out against those responsible for the violence.

Police Command Defends Professionalism

In response to the accusations, the Osun State Police Command has categorically denied any political favoritism. DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the Police Public Relations Officer, described the party’s position as lacking substance and dismissed the allegations as false and misleading. He maintained that the Command remains committed to professionalism, impartiality, and the rule of law, insisting that it has never provided protection for any individual, political party, or criminal group.

Regarding the operational methodology of the force, Ojelabi emphasized that all decisions are intelligence-driven and based on credible evidence rather than political pressure. He stated: Arrests were not carried out based on media reports, political statements or social media allegations, but on evidence capable of sustaining prosecution in court.

The command noted that it has already arrested and investigated several suspects linked to recent breaches of public peace. According to Ojelabi, some of these individuals have confessed to plans to procure arms and ammunition to perpetrate further violence. He stressed that investigations into other reported incidents remain ongoing and that individuals found culpable will be prosecuted regardless of their political affiliation.

Escalating Violence and Public Concern

The political discord occurs against a backdrop of increasing reports of violence across Osun State, particularly in Osogbo and Ede. The Accord Party has highlighted specific, tragic incidents as evidence of a deteriorating security environment. Among these is the death of 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade, who was reportedly shot dead on June 21, 2026. The party alleges that the youth was killed during an attack by armed groups linked to the APC.

Pastor Victor Akande has urged the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, to order an impartial investigation into all individuals linked to recent violence in the state. As the state prepares for the August 15, 2026, gubernatorial election, the public remains caught between the competing narratives of a political party claiming systemic bias and a police force asserting that its actions are strictly governed by evidence and legal standards.