"Nigeria's Democracy on Trial" — Accord Demands Removal of CP Gotan, Release of Over 100 Detained Members

The Accord Party's National Secretariat in Abuja has issued a strongly worded press release warning that Nigeria's democracy is "on trial" in Osun State, demanding an immediate end to what it describes as police harassment of government officials, party leaders, and members, and renewing its call for the removal of Osun State's Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan.

In the statement, National Chairman Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem said the party has been peacefully carrying out its grassroots campaign ahead of the August 15 governorship election, but alleged that the opposition All Progressives Congress, working in collaboration with the Osun State Police Command and APC-linked thugs, has been mounting what he called an unprecedented assault on the electoral process.

Pattern of Prior Attacks Went Unpunished

The party recalled having previously spoken out over what it described as killings of its leaders and supporters, repeated attacks on Imole Campaign Council and party offices, and the destruction of campaign billboards — incidents it said were duly reported to police and other security agencies but never resulted in a single arrest or prosecution. It was this perceived police inaction, the statement said, that first prompted Accord's demand for CP Gotan's removal on grounds of alleged partisanship.

Mass Arrests and Raids on Officials

According to the party, close to 100 Accord leaders, candidates, members, and supporters have now been arrested and detained across the state, with some moved to Abuja — arrests the party characterised as politically motivated and designed to weaken its campaign. It further alleged that police raided the residences of six commissioners and the Secretary to the State Government in what it described as Gestapo-style operations that disregarded professionalism and democratic norms.

The party condemned the arrests and detentions as draconian, arguing it was ironic that the same police units accused of ignoring earlier attacks on Accord offices and members were now moving swiftly against government officials and party leaders. It described the conduct as evidence of a partisan police force operating in the state, tying it to what it called APC leaders' boasts of "state capture" through federal influence.

Calls for Intervention

Accord called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, civil society organisations, and the international community to intervene to protect Nigeria's constitutional order. 

Despite the allegations, the party said it would not be intimidated, expressing confidence that Osun residents remained aligned with Governor Ademola Adeleke and would re-elect him on August 15, citing what it called the achievements of his administration despite efforts to destabilise the state.

The party urged Osun indigenes to collect their voter cards and participate actively in the process, describing the ballot as the democratic answer to the intimidation it alleges is being orchestrated against its members. It closed by urging supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, stating that "the ballot is stronger than the bullet."

Signed:

Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem

National Chairman, Accord