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Osun election: Adeleke raises alarm over alleged Police harassment of Accord Party members
Accord Party governorship candidate and incumbent Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has raised concerns over alleged harassment of members and supporters of his party as voting continues in Saturday’s governorship election.
Adeleke, who cast his vote at his polling unit in Ede, appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to direct officers deployed for the election to conduct themselves professionally and remain neutral.
Speaking shortly after exercising his franchise, the governor alleged that he had received reports of police interference with Accord Party members in some parts of the state, particularly in Ile-Ife.
According to Adeleke, police officers allegedly seized election materials after they had been distributed and fired tear gas at the scene, despite there reportedly being no violence, confrontation or destruction of property.
He alleged that the development was intended to intimidate Accord Party members and supporters and accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of influencing police actions against his party.
Adeleke urged the police hierarchy and other security agencies participating in the election to maintain neutrality and professionalism, stressing that voters must be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights without fear or intimidation.
He also called for the protection of the electoral process and urged security personnel to ensure that every eligible voter is allowed to cast their ballot peacefully.
Meanwhile, voting is ongoing across Osun State, with residents, political parties and other stakeholders urging security agencies to maintain peace and impartiality while ensuring that all lawful votes are protected and accurately counted.
The election is being closely watched as Adeleke seeks another term in office amid competition from other governorship candidates