The Accord Party has called for the immediate release of its leaders, candidates, members and supporters reportedly arrested and detained in Osun, Abuja and Nasarawa States in connection with the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
The National Chairman of the party, Chief Maxwell Mgbudem, made the demand on Monday during a press conference held in Osogbo to address the outcome of the August 15 governorship election, won by the party’s candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke.
Mgbudem said the arrests and continued detention of the party’s members violated their fundamental rights as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and urged the Inspector General of Police to act accordingly.
He argued that the election had ended and there was no justification for continuing to detain the party’s members, calling for their immediate release in the interest of justice and equity.
The Accord chairman described Adeleke’s victory as a demonstration of the resolve of Osun residents to freely choose their governor and protect their votes despite what he described as intimidation and other challenges during the electioneering period.
According to him, the period preceding the election was characterised by what he described as unusual harassment, intimidation, destruction of property, arrests, detention, killings and the use of federal agencies, particularly the police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), against the party, the state government and residents.
Mgbudem also alleged that the withholding of federal allocations meant for local governments, despite a court order directing their release, was part of an attempt to destabilise the Adeleke administration and make the state ungovernable with the aim of paving the way for a state of emergency.
He said Osun residents remained behind Adeleke because they were aware of what he described as the antecedents of their oppressors, adding that the people participated actively in Accord’s campaigns across the state.
The party chairman said the achievements of the Adeleke administration and what he described as its transformative leadership influenced the people’s decision to support the governor and Accord during the election.
He said Accord prepared for the election with the belief that the ballot was stronger than the bullet, adding that Osun residents defied political violence and what he described as a heavily militarised election to vote for the party and its candidate.
Mgbudem described the outcome as a triumph of courage over fear and intimidation, saying the people had renewed Adeleke’s mandate and voted for continuity, compassionate and inclusive governance.
He dedicated the victory to the people of Osun State, whom he said had demonstrated their commitment to democratic participation and the Accord government.
The Accord chairman commended Nigerians, civil society organisations, local and foreign election observers, the international community, INEC and security agencies for what he described as their roles in upholding electoral integrity, transparency and democratic values during the election.
He said the election was over and that there was no victor or vanquished, while extending the party’s hand of fellowship to other political parties, their candidates, members and supporters.
Mgbudem urged other political parties to work with the Accord administration in the interest of Osun State, stressing that the state’s collective interest should take precedence over individual and political interests.
He also commended candidates of various political parties who stepped down for Adeleke, describing the action as a demonstration of political alliance, cooperation and partnership that would deepen Nigeria’s democracy.
Mgbudem congratulated Nigerians on what he described as the successful Osun governorship election and expressed optimism for an improved 2027 general election.
