OSOGBO, Nigeria — Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has raised concerns over an alleged plan to arrest leaders of the Accord Party on the eve of the state’s governorship election, warning that such an action could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
Adeleke made the allegation during a press briefing on Tuesday, claiming that police authorities had directed the immediate arrest of Accord leaders and their transfer to Abuja, where they would allegedly remain in detention until after the election.
The governor said he had contacted the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, over the reported directive and urged him to clarify whether such an order had been issued. Adeleke warned that any attempt to arrest opposition figures shortly before voting would raise serious concerns about the conduct of the election.
According to the governor, detaining Accord Party leaders immediately before the poll could restrict the party’s ability to mobilise its supporters and participate effectively in the electoral process. He described such an action, if confirmed, as unlawful and a threat to democratic principles.
Adeleke further alleged that more than 62 Accord Party members were already being held by the police without formal charges. He called on the police leadership to ensure that all arrests and investigations are conducted in accordance with due process and the law.
The governor also raised concerns over a viral video allegedly involving Senator Francis Fadahunsi, which he said contained threats against Accord Party leaders and their family members. Adeleke described the alleged remarks as serious enough to warrant investigation by security agencies.
According to Adeleke, the alleged statements went beyond ordinary political disagreements and could constitute a security concern, particularly because of the reported reference to the wives and children of political opponents. He therefore called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser to take note of the development.
The governor said he had already reported the matter to the Inspector-General of Police and demanded an investigation into Fadahunsi. He added that the police chief had acknowledged the existence of the video and assured him that appropriate action would be taken.
Adeleke also called for an end to what he described as unjustified operations by the police Intelligence Response Team against Accord Party members across the state. He alleged that members of the opposition party had been arrested in different local government areas without sufficient justification.
The governor specifically demanded the immediate investigation and arrest of Fadahunsi by the police and the Department of State Services if the allegations contained in the video were established. He argued that such action would demonstrate that security agencies were committed to upholding the rule of law regardless of political affiliation.
The allegations come amid heightened political tension in Osun State as political parties intensify their final preparations for the governorship election. Security arrangements and accusations of politically motivated arrests have increasingly become major issues in the build-up to the poll.
Adeleke urged the police and other security agencies to remain neutral and professional before, during and after the election. He also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that security operations do not intimidate voters, restrict legitimate political activities or undermine the participation of opposition parties.
The governor maintained that the credibility of the election would depend largely on whether all political parties and their supporters were allowed to operate freely under equal protection of the law.
He called for restraint among political actors and urged security authorities to focus on protecting voters, election officials and the integrity of the electoral process rather than becoming involved in political disputes.
As the election approaches, attention is expected to remain focused on the allegations of arrests, the security situation across Osun State and the response of police authorities to the governor’s demands.
