Accord Party Chairman Demands Release of Detained Members

National Chairman of the Accord Party Maxwell Mgbudem demanded the immediate and unconditional release of party leaders, candidates, and supporters detained in Abuja, Nasarawa, and Osun states. The arrests followed the August 15 governorship election, which saw the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo, Mgbudem described Adeleke's victory as a triumph over harassment and intimidation. He alleged that federal authorities utilized the Nigerian Police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to suppress the party during the campaign. Mgbudem further accused the federal government of withholding local government allocations to destabilize the Adeleke administration and create conditions for a state of emergency.

Mgbudem appealed to Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu to order the releases of the detainees and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release the withheld grassroots development funds.