Osun Governorship Election: Accord Party Accuses Police of Bias, Command Denies Allegations

Ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, the Accord Party has accused the Osun State Police Command of lacking neutrality, an allegation the police have firmly denied.

The party’s chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, claimed that suspected thugs were receiving protection from the police while members of rival groups, especially transport union members, faced harassment and selective arrests.

Akande appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to direct a fair investigation into all individuals connected with the recent incidents of violence in the state, urging that offenders be prosecuted irrespective of political affiliation.

In response, Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, dismissed the accusations, insisting that the command operates professionally and without political bias.

He said the police had never offered protection to any political party, individual or criminal group, adding that all security operations are intelligence-driven and evidence-based.

Ojelabi said: “Arrests were not carried out based on media reports, political statements or social media allegations, but on evidence capable of sustaining prosecution in court. Several suspects linked to breaches of public peace had already been arrested, investigated and charged where sufficient evidence existed, while investigations into other reported incidents were ongoing.”

He added: “Some of the arrested suspects had confessed to plans to procure arms and ammunition to perpetrate further violence.”

The Police Command reiterated its commitment to impartiality and the rule of law as political activities intensify ahead of the Osun governorship election.

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