The Osun State chapter of the Accord party and the Osun State Police Command have exchanged accusations over the security situation in the state ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
Both sides issued separate statements on Wednesday defending their positions amid rising political tension.
In a statement signed by its state chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, the Accord accused the police of failing to act impartially and alleged that some individuals linked to the All Progressives Congress, APC, had continued to engage in violent activities without facing prosecution.
The party claimed that recent security operations reflected selective law enforcement and alleged that transport union members who were not aligned with a particular faction had been subjected to arrests and harassment.
“The people of Osun deserve facts, not carefully manufactured stories designed to protect politically connected individuals. Individuals identified as Asiri Eniba, Ojuyobo and D Law have continued to operate freely despite allegations of involvement in violent incidents,” the statement read.
Accord further alleged that incidents of violence, including reported gunfire at Ido Osun and the takeover of motor parks, had not been thoroughly investigated.
The party called on the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to order what it described as a comprehensive and impartial investigation into recent disturbances across the state.
It also urged the police to end what it described as arbitrary arrests of transport union members, insisting that law enforcement actions should be based solely on credible evidence rather than political considerations.
In response, the Osun State Police Command rejected the allegations of political bias and insisted that it remained committed to professionalism, neutrality and the rule of law.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, the command stated that it had never provided protection for any political party, individual or group.
According to the police, all security operations in the state are intelligence driven and evidence based, not influenced by political statements or social media reports.
“The Nigeria Police Force is a non partisan institution established by law to protect lives and property, preserve public order, and enforce the law without fear or favour,” the statement said.
The command added that several suspects connected with breaches of public peace had been arrested, investigated and charged to court where sufficient evidence existed, while investigations into other reported incidents were still ongoing.
The police also disclosed that some arrested suspects had confessed to plans to procure arms and ammunition for further acts of violence.
Commissioner Gotan maintained that no individual is above the law and dismissed allegations of selective arrests, stating that political affiliation or union membership neither justifies arrest nor guarantees exemption from investigation.
