Accord Party Demands Redeployment of Osun County Police Over Alleged Political Violence

By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA — The national leadership of the Accord Party has urged Inspector‑General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to redeploy Osun State Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan immediately, citing alleged political violence and killings that have occurred ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

The party said its demand follows a series of violent incidents targeting its members and supporters, and that repeated petitions to security agencies have failed to elicit a meaningful response.

In a statement released by National Publicity Secretary Joseph Omorogbe, Accord alleged that security agencies had not acted on reports of attacks despite multiple complaints.

Accord said it had consistently alerted both the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to incidents of violence, but that no arrests or prosecutions had been made.

“Accord has lost confidence in the ability and capacity of the Osun State Commissioner of Police to curb violence and politically motivated killings,” the statement said, adding that armed groups had been operating in parts of Osogbo and Ede.

It further alleged that some of its leaders and supporters had been attacked, while its state secretariat, campaign offices and billboards had also been vandalised in a pattern of political intimidation.

The party also cited the killing of a 14‑year‑old boy, Ezekiel Olapade, in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area, describing it as part of the worsening security situation in the state.

According to Accord, the incident occurred during a violent episode involving political supporters in the area.

“Our hearts still bleed over the killing of a 14‑year‑old boy, Ezekiel Olapade, who was shot dead on Sunday, 21st June 2026, in Ilobu community,” the party said.

It alleged that the violence erupted when armed individuals opened fire after spotting a supporter of a rival political group.

The party condemned the incident, describing it as unacceptable and inhumane.

Omorogbe also urged President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector‑General of Police, the Director‑General of the DSS and the National Security Adviser to intervene urgently to restore peace and ensure credible elections in the state.

He called for the immediate redeployment of the Osun Commissioner of Police, insisting that the current leadership had failed to ensure security and bring perpetrators of violence to justice.

“Politics is not a do‑or‑die affair. The ambition of any candidate is not worth the blood of any citizen,” the statement added.

Accord warned that continued violence ahead of the governorship election could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and threaten democratic participation.

The party further urged all political actors to embrace peaceful, issue‑based campaigns and cautioned against attempts to intimidate voters ahead of the poll.