Osun 2026: Accord Party, police clash over neutrality ahead guber poll

The Osun State Police Command and the ruling Accord Party have clashed over allegations of political bias, selective law enforcement, and a lack of institutional neutrality ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

On its part, the Accord Party accused the police of selective arrest targeting its members, while failing to investigate or arrest opposition thugs who have launched persistent attacks on its campaign teams.

The party made the allegations in a statement signed by its state chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, on Wednesday.

It alleged that recent security operations reflected selective law enforcement, claiming that some individuals accused of involvement in violent incidents had not been arrested despite allegations against them.

Akande also called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to order an impartial investigation into recent security incidents in the state and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted, irrespective of political affiliation.

The Accord chairman further urged the police to uphold professionalism and guarantee a level playing field for all political parties during the election.

Responding, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, dismissed the allegations, describing them as false and misleading.

He said the command remained committed to professionalism, impartiality and the rule of law, stressing that it does not provide protection for any individual, political party or criminal group.

According to him, police operations are intelligence-driven and based on credible evidence.

Ojelabi said arrests were carried out only where there was sufficient evidence to support investigation and possible prosecution, adding that several suspects linked to breaches of public peace had been arrested, while investigations into other reported incidents were ongoing.

He also denied allegations of selective arrests, maintaining that all suspects were apprehended based on reasonable suspicion of involvement in criminal activities.

The police spokesperson said political affiliation or membership of any group neither confers immunity from investigation nor guarantees arrest.

He appealed to political parties, community leaders and residents to refrain from inflammatory statements capable of heightening tension ahead of the election.

Ojelabi assured residents that the command would continue to discharge its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property and urged members of the public to provide credible information to support ongoing security operations.

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖