- Safiu Kehinde
The Accord Party has petitioned the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) over alleged human rights abuses, politically motivated arrests and misuse of police authority ahead of the Osun governorship election.
Accord Party petitioned the NHRC following a protest at the commission’s office in Abuja on Monday.
According to reports, the protest was spearheaded by the Imole Campaign Council, the support group of the incumbent Osun state governor and the Accord Party’s candidate, Ademola Adeleke.
In the petition filed through its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the council accused the police of specifically targeting the governor’s supporters.
It alleged that following public outcry, the Osun Commissioner of Police was initially transferred, leading to the release of 26 detained campaign members, but the officer was later reinstated.
Olajengbesi claimed the reinstatement followed alleged pressure on the Inspector-General of Police, raising concerns about police autonomy.
The Imole Campaign Council also highlighted the alleged unlawful arrest of Popoola Alaba (Alabama), an Accord candidate, who was transferred to Abuja on charges of armed robbery and illegal possession of firearms despite no evidence being found on him.
The council urged the IGP to ensure impartiality and called on President Tinubu to prevent security agencies from being used as tools of political intimidation.