Osun Accord, Police trade word over alleged bias, selective arrests ahead of August 15th poll

THE Osun State chapter of the Accord and the Osun State Police Command have made conflicting claims over the security situation in the state.

Also, both sides have defended their positions amid heightened political activities ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

In a statement signed by its state chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, on Wednesday, 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 alleged that recent security operations reflected selective law enforcement, claiming that transport union members who were not aligned with a particular faction had been subjected to arrests and harassment.

According to the statement, “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.”

Accord claimed that incidents of violence, including reported gunfire at Ido-Osun and the takeover of motor parks, had not been thoroughly investigated, urging the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to order what it described as a comprehensive and impartial investigation into recent disturbances across the state.

The party also called for an end to what it described as arbitrary arrests of transport union members, insisting that law enforcement should be based solely on credible evidence and not political considerations.

Responding in a separate statement, the Osun State Police Command rejected all allegations of political bias, maintaining that it remained committed to professionalism, neutrality and the rule of law in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.

The command in a statement by the spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, stated that it had never provided protection for any political party, individual or group, stressing that its security operations were intelligence-driven and evidence-based rather than 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 command said.

The police 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.”

It also stated that some arrested suspects had confessed to plans to procure arms and ammunition to perpetrate further violence.

Gotan reaffirmed that no individual was above the law and dismissed allegations of selective arrests, stating that political affiliation or union membership neither justified arrest nor guaranteed exemption from investigation.