The Accord Party in Esa-Oke has rejected allegations linking its members to an alleged plan to attack prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the claims as reckless, false, and untruthful.
In a statement issued in response to the allegations, Accord accused APC members in the community of being responsible for a series of arrests, intimidation, and alleged destruction of properties belonging to its members following the killing of one of its members, identified as Rogba, last month.
The party alleged that, following Rogba’s death and rumours surrounding the circumstances of the incident, several Accord leaders and members were arrested.
Among those mentioned was Chief Orija, popularly known as Mewo, who was recently released. Accord also raised concerns over the continued detention of *Ogunleye Samuel Olaoluwa, popularly known as White*, who, according to the party, has been in police custody for about three weeks without being arraigned.
The statement further alleged that properties belonging to some Accord leaders had been destroyed, describing the incidents as part of an alleged pattern of intimidation against its members.
It questioned why Accord was being accused of planning violence when, according to the party, its members had themselves been subjected to arrests, threats, and other forms of alleged harassment.
The party also expressed concern over what it described as an uncultured and unstatesmanlike statement allegedly made by Senator Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District on the APC platform.
Accord alleged that the senator made a statement suggesting that anyone who refuses to vote for the APC candidate, including supporters of Accord, should be killed. The party described the alleged remark as unacceptable and capable of escalating political tension in Osun State.
It consequently asked: *“Who is actually promoting violence and intimidation in Esa-Oke?”*
Accord further accused its political opponents of creating fear ahead of Saturday’s election and alleged that there were attempts to discourage residents from freely participating in the electoral process.
The party therefore urged residents of Esa-Oke not to be afraid, but to come out peacefully and exercise their constitutional right to vote for *Governor Ademola Adeleke* of the Accord Party.
“We urge the residents of Esa-Oke not to be afraid. We encourage everyone to come out peacefully and exercise their constitutional right to vote for Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, without intimidation, harassment, or fear,” the statement said.
The party also called on security agencies to provide adequate protection for voters, candidates, and political party members and to take appropriate action against anyone found engaging in violence, intimidation, threats, or destruction of property.
Accord maintained that it remains committed to a peaceful, free, fair, and credible election and urged its members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding.
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