Osun account freezing: Accord Party raises concerns over guber poll credibility

The national leadership of Accord has condemned the alleged freezing of the Osun State Government’s accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing the action as unlawful and politically motivated ahead of the August 15 governorship election in the state.

In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Chief Maxwell Mgbudem, the party alleged that the development was part of a broader attempt by federal agencies to influence the outcome of the election in favour of the opposition.

Accord claimed that the anti-graft agency acted without obtaining a court order and said it would challenge the action in court.

According to the party, the timing of the alleged freezing of the state’s accounts, barely days before the governorship election, could disrupt government activities and heighten political tension in the state.

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The party also expressed concern over what it described as the conduct of security agencies, particularly the police, alleging the harassment, intimidation, arrest and detention of its members and supporters in Osun and other states. It urged security agencies to remain neutral and professional before, during and after the election.

Accord appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the governorship election is free, fair, credible and peaceful by directing security agencies to operate within the law and allowing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the poll without interference.

The party further called for the release of members and supporters it claimed were being detained in Abuja, Osun and Nasarawa states, arguing that their constitutional rights should be protected.

Accord warned against any attempt to manipulate the electoral process, urging stakeholders to learn from previous elections and prioritise peace and democratic principles.

The party maintained that elections should be conducted in an atmosphere free of intimidation and violence, stressing that political ambition should not come at the expense of lives.

It also expressed confidence that the courts would uphold the rule of law, as it said had happened in previous legal disputes involving the party.

Reaffirming its support for the incumbent governor, the party stated that Governor Ademola Adeleke remains popular among the electorate and expressed optimism about his chances in the forthcoming election.