Osun Poll: Adeleke Alleges Plot to Arrest Accord Party Leaders

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has raised the alarm over an alleged police directive to arrest leaders of the Accord Party ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

Adeleke made the allegation during a press briefing, saying he had contacted the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, over the reported directive and appealed to the police authorities to intervene if the information was found to be true.

According to the governor, the alleged directive would involve the immediate arrest of Accord Party leaders in Osun and their transfer to Abuja, where they would allegedly remain in detention until after the election.

Adeleke described the reported development as unacceptable in a democratic society and urged security authorities to ensure that political actors are protected as the state approaches the August 15 governorship poll. Similar details of the governor’s allegations have been reported by Nigerian news outlets.

Adeleke Raises Alarm Over Accord Leaders

The governor said he had sought clarification from the police chief regarding the alleged arrest directive and urged authorities to ensure that any action involving political party officials complied with due process.

He argued that arresting opposition party leaders immediately before an election could create unnecessary tension and undermine confidence in the electoral process.

The allegation comes amid heightened political tension in Osun State as parties intensify their final mobilisation ahead of Saturday’s election.

Adeleke also raised concerns over a viral video involving Senator Francis Fadahunsi, alleging that the lawmaker made threatening remarks against Accord Party leaders, supporters and their families.

The governor called for the matter to be investigated by relevant security agencies, describing the alleged comments as a serious security concern.

Police Probe Fadahunsi Remarks

The controversy surrounding Fadahunsi has already attracted the attention of the Osun State Police Command.

The Commissioner of Police in charge of the 2026 Osun governorship election, Samuel Erale Etaifo, reportedly invited Fadahunsi to clarify remarks attributed to him in the viral video.

The police have also reportedly commenced an investigation into the controversy surrounding the senator’s comments.

Fadahunsi has previously disputed the interpretation of his remarks, saying his reference to “killing” Accord was a metaphorical call to defeat the party politically at the ballot box rather than an instruction to physically harm its members.

Tension Builds Ahead of Osun Election

The competing claims come just days before the Osun election, with political parties and security agencies preparing for the August 15 poll.

The allegations of possible arrests and the controversy over Fadahunsi’s remarks have added to concerns about political tension ahead of voting.

Adeleke urged the relevant authorities to investigate the claims and ensure the safety of political candidates, party officials and supporters.

LeadNaija has not independently verified the alleged police directive to arrest Accord Party leaders. The allegation should therefore be understood as a claim by Governor Adeleke pending an official clarification from the police.

The police invitation to Fadahunsi and reported investigation into the viral video are separate developments that could provide further clarity as the election approaches