Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has alleged that there are plans by security operatives to arrest leaders of the Accord Party ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, describing the move as illegal and a threat to democracy.
Speaking at an emergency press briefing on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, Adeleke said he had received credible information indicating that a police directive had been issued for the immediate arrest of Accord Party leaders, with instructions that they be transferred to Abuja and detained until after the election.
The governor said he had discussed the matter with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, urging him to publicly clarify that no such directive exists if the reports were untrue.
Adeleke said arresting opposition party leaders on the eve of an election would amount to security agencies aiding electoral malpractice.
He also alleged that more than 62 Accord Party members were currently being held in police custody without formal charges, describing the situation as undemocratic.
Adeleke said: “We have credible reports that a police signal has arrived in Osun directing immediate arrest of Accord Party leaders. We also know the directive includes that they should be taken to Abuja immediately and should not be released until Monday.
“I have spoken to the Inspector General of Police about the reported directive to arrest Accord Party leaders. But I am appealing to him that this development, if true, is illegal, and presents Nigeria as a lawless country. Arresting Accord Party leaders on the eve of an election amounts to police helping and assisting the APC to rig the election.
“I task the IGP to issue a statement to assure Nigerians that no order has been given to arrest Accord Party leaders in Osun State. It is illegal and a threat to democracy for Accord Party leaders to be arrested on the eve of an election on trumped up charges.”
Adeleke further called on police to halt what he described as the “illegal operations” of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), accusing the unit of arresting Accord Party leaders across local government areas without justification.
The governor also raised concerns over a viral video involving the senator representing Osun East Senatorial District, Francis Fadahunsi, alleging that the lawmaker made comments inciting violence against Accord Party leaders and their families.
Describing the remarks as a national security concern, Adeleke said he had urged the IGP to immediately investigate and arrest the senator.
‘Kill Accord’ means defeat them with votes, Fadahunsi clarifies
He added that the IGP acknowledged the existence of the video and assured him that appropriate action would be taken.
Adeleke said: “This is now beyond politics. This is now a national security threat that requires the attention of Mr President through the office of the National Security Adviser.
“I have raised this issue with the IGP and demanded for the immediate investigation and arrest of Senator Fadahunsi. The IGP has confirmed the video and assured of immediate action.”
Adeleke called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the senator’s comments, stressing that the authorities must demonstrate their commitment to the rule of law by treating the matter with urgency.
The governor also appealed to security agencies to remain impartial before, during, and after the election, urging them to uphold their constitutional responsibilities and protect Nigeria’s democratic process.
His allegations come amid heightened political tension in Osun State ahead of the governorship election.
Meanwhile, Fadahunsi has denied calling for violence, stating that his viral “kill Accord” remark was a metaphorical appeal for voters to defeat the Accord Party at the ballot box rather than a call for physical attacks.
Police had not publicly responded to Adeleke’s latest allegations as of the time of filing this report.
