Osun Accord Party lawmakers seek redeployment of Police Commissioner, raise concerns over election security

A caucus of National and State Assembly members from Osun State at the weekend called on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Tunde Disu, to immediately redeploy the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, over alleged concerns regarding security and neutrality ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The lawmakers, comprising seven members of the National Assembly and 25 members of the state House of Assembly, made the call while addressing journalists in Osogbo as part of activities marking this year’s Democracy Day.

The caucus, represented by Senator Akogun Lere Oyewumi, representing Osun West Senatorial District; Hon. Bamidele Salam, Leader of the Osun Caucus in the House of Representatives; and Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olumide Egbedun, also urged security agencies to arrest and prosecute individuals linked to attacks on members and supporters of the Accord Party.

They further called on President Bola Tinubu to direct security agencies operating in the state to remain neutral, professional and impartial before, during and after the governorship election.

The lawmakers appealed to civil society organisations, the media, election observers, the National Peace Committee and the international community to closely monitor political developments in Osun State as the election draws near.

According to them, residents of the state are committed to peace and democratic governance and expect political contests to be decided through the ballot box rather than violence, intimidation or any unconstitutional means.

The caucus alleged that it had received intelligence reports suggesting plans to intensify attacks on members and supporters of the Accord Party in the weeks leading to the election.

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They further claimed that campaign rallies, peaceful processions and other political activities of the party could be targeted.

The lawmakers also alleged that the reported plans included attacks on prominent Accord leaders as well as the destruction of campaign materials, vehicles and other properties belonging to party members.

They expressed concern that such actions, if allowed to occur, could create an atmosphere of insecurity capable of undermining the electoral process.

 The legislators further alleged that the situation could be exploited to justify extraordinary political measures that may affect the conduct of the governorship election.

Citing recent incidents of political violence in the state, the lawmakers claimed that several Accord members had been attacked in different locations.

 They referenced the killing of an Accord member in Irewole Local Government Area and the shooting of the party’s chairman in Osogbo Local Government Area, who they said is still receiving treatment in hospital.