Adebayo Adenrele
The Accord Party has alleged that some security agencies deployed for the Osun State governorship election are intimidating and arresting its members and supporters, raising concerns over the credibility and peaceful conduct of the poll.
The party’s spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, made the allegation on Saturday shortly after casting his vote at Ward 3, Unit 4, Ijebu-Jesha, in Ori-Ade Local Government Area of the state.
Olajengbesi alleged that some military personnel had, since the early hours of Saturday, embarked on arrests across parts of the state, including the detention of individuals associated with the political process.
The Spokesman said the allegations were particularly disturbing because of the respect traditionally accorded the Nigerian military, stressing that the circumstances surrounding the alleged arrests had led the party to suspect that some security personnel might have been compromised.
“The military is an institution that is respected all over the world and the Nigerian military has a lot of respect here. So, we suspect that they must have been compromised somewhere or that something is wrong somewhere.
“We are glad that the election is now ongoing and people are voting. This is my own ward, my unit and my local government, and it has been peaceful so far. The security officers have conducted themselves in a very good manner. We are only praying that this process should continue,” he said.
He also disclosed that the party had received reports of an alleged plan to invade certain areas during the voting process, prompting it to alert its members to remain vigilant and protect their polling locations without resorting to violence.
According to him, the Accord Party remained committed to ensuring that voters were allowed to exercise their constitutional rights freely and peacefully.
“I do not want to argue that these people are military officers, because the Nigerian Army is not known for things like that. But we are saying that the Osun State election is incredible and important to Nigeria and to the whole world”.
The Accord spokesperson stressed the need for security agencies to remain neutral and professional throughout the electoral process, insisting that voters must be allowed to freely choose their preferred candidate without intimidation or interference.
He said the election was particularly significant because it would serve as an important political indicator ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging all stakeholders to ensure that the poll was free, fair and credible.
Olajengbesi also appealed to residents of Osun State to maintain peace during and after the election, stressing that the state belonged to all its citizens irrespective of political affiliation.
“I want to encourage the people of Osun State to understand that this is our state. We have a duty to ensure that this state is peaceful”.
He maintained that the ultimate objective should be to allow the people of Osun State to freely elect their preferred leader, urging security agencies to uphold professionalism and protect voters rather than intimidate them.
