Osun Election: Accord Party Demands Immediate Sack Of EFCC Chairman

The Accord Party has called for the immediate resignation of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing the anti-graft agency of partisan interference ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

The party’s demand followed the EFCC’s decision to restrict an account belonging to the Osun State Government before subsequently lifting the restriction.

Speaking at a world press conference in Abuja on Friday, Accord National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, said the party had lost confidence in the EFCC leadership.

Mgbudem accused the commission of exceeding its statutory powers by restricting the account on August 5, describing the action as capable of undermining public confidence in government institutions.

He called on the EFCC chairman to resign and urged President Bola Tinubu to remove him if he refused to step down.

The EFCC, however, has maintained that the restriction was part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities and was not politically motivated.

Accord Alleges Intimidation of Members

Mgbudem said the account controversy occurred against the backdrop of what the party described as months of intimidation and violence involving its members and supporters in Osun.

He alleged that some party supporters had been killed, shot, arrested or harassed, while party offices and facilities linked to the Imole Campaign Council were reportedly attacked.

The Accord chairman also alleged that campaign billboards were destroyed by suspected political thugs allegedly linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He said the party had reported several incidents to security agencies but claimed that arrests and preventive measures had been inadequate.

Mgbudem said Accord initially welcomed the deployment of a new Commissioner of Police to Osun following concerns over security but alleged that the EFCC’s intervention subsequently heightened political tension.

Party Warns Against Political Use of Federal Institutions

Mgbudem accused federal institutions of becoming involved in the political contest in a manner he said could undermine the electoral process and weaken the state government.

He nevertheless commended President Tinubu for directing that the restriction on the state government’s account be lifted.

The party urged security agencies, anti-graft bodies, the electoral commission and other democratic institutions to operate within their statutory mandates and remain neutral throughout the election.

Mgbudem warned against the alleged use of federal institutions to intimidate or suppress political opponents.

He stressed that elections should not be treated as warfare or conducted in an atmosphere of intimidation.

Accord Backs Adeleke for Second Term

The Accord chairman also reaffirmed the party’s support for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s bid for a second term, describing Osun as a stronghold of the party.

He said Adeleke deserved another term based on what he described as the administration’s performance.

Mgbudem further alleged that there had been attempts to destabilise the state government, including legal disputes involving the registration of Accord and other political parties.

He also cited disputes over local government administration and federal allocations to councils as part of what he described as efforts to weaken the state government.

The party urged Osun residents to turn out on August 15, cast their ballots and protect their votes.

It also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a free, fair, credible and inclusive election, while adequately testing electoral materials and systems ahead of polling day.

Accord appealed to civil society organisations, election observers, the Nigerian Bar Association, the media and other stakeholders to closely monitor the election and guard against violence, intimidation, vote-buying, voter suppression and unlawful interference.

Accord Seeks Release of Detained Members

The party also appealed to President Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police to facilitate the release of about 60 Accord members whom it claimed were being detained in Abuja, Osun and Nasarawa states.

Mgbudem said their release would help reduce political tension ahead of the election.

He expressed confidence that Accord was prepared for the governorship contest and would retain the governorship seat, despite what he described as efforts by political opponents to frustrate the administration.