Osun Election: Accord Party, police differ over neutrality ahead governorship poll

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By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

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The Accord Party and the Osun State Police Command have disagreed over allegations of bias and neutrality ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election in the state.

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In a statement, the Osun State Chairman of the Accord Party, Pastor Victor Akande, accused the police of failing to maintain neutrality in the discharge of their duties.

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He alleged that security operatives had been selective in their operations, claiming that some individuals accused of involvement in violent incidents had not been arrested despite allegations against them.

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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.

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

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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

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

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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. The governorship election in Osun State is scheduled to hold on August 15, 2026.

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