The national leadership of the Accord Party has called for the immediate release or prosecution of members of the party who were arrested before the conduct of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

The National Chairman of Accord Party, Maxwell Mgbudem, made the demand while addressing journalists in Osogbo on Monday following the victory of the candidate of the party, Senator Ademola Adeleke, in the election.

“Accord demands the immediate release of all its leaders, candidates, members and supporters arrested and detained in Abuja, Nasarawa and Osun states in flagrant violation of their fundamental rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended,” Mgbudem stated.

He noted that the victory of Adeleke in the election was a powerful testament of the people’s resolve to freely and peacefully choose their governor and protect their votes in spite of all odds.

Mgbudem condemned the high level of harassment, intimidation, destruction of property, arrests, detention, killings, and the use of federal might, particularly the police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to subdue the party and the people of the state.

“The objective is to destabilise the government of His Excellency Governor Ademola Adeleke and make Osun State ungovernable to pave the way for a declaration of a state of emergency,” he noted.

According to him, the achievements of Governor Adeleke are evident, making the people identify with him and the Accord Party in pursuit of a better, greater, brighter and prosperous Osun State.

“It was indeed the triumph of courage over fear and intimidation. The people have spoken loud and clear with their votes. They have in one accord renewed the mandate of their beloved Governor Adeleke. They have voted for continuity, compassionate and inclusive governance.

“This victory is dedicated to the peace-loving people of Osun State who have powerfully demonstrated their abiding faith in democratic participation and the Accord government in Osun State,” he said.

He commended all Nigerians, the civil society organisations, local and foreign election observers, the international community, the electoral umpire and security agencies who prioritised electoral integrity and transparency in the election.

He also commended the candidates of various political parties who stepped down for Governor Ademola Adeleke, saying this will help build a strong political alliance aimed at deepening the nation’s democracy.

Mgbudem further noted that the Accord Party had extended its hand of fellowship to all the political parties, their candidates, members and supporters with the government in making Osun State great again.

He maintained that Christopher Imomolen, claiming to be the national chairman of Accord, who endorsed the APC governorship candidate before the election, was not a member of the Accord Party. (Channels TV)