Osun Decides: Election is not warfare, stop militarising it — Accord tells FG

The Accord Party has called for the immediate resignation of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The party accuses the anti-graft agency of partisanship and interference in the upcoming August 15 governorship election in Osun State. This demand follows the EFCC's controversial decision to freeze the Osun State Government's bank account, a move the party described as a pattern of actions heightening fears of institutional meddling in the electoral process.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Accord National Chairman, Chief Maxwell Mgbudem, stated that the party has lost confidence in the EFCC leadership. He urged President Bola Tinubu to dismiss the chairman if he does not resign voluntarily. "Having demonstrated unprecedented partisanship in the Osun State politics, assaulted the sensibilities of fellow compatriots and brought the nation to ridicule and disrepute before the international community, Accord has lost confidence in the current leadership of the EFCC," Mgbudem declared.

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Having demonstrated unprecedented partisanship in the Osun State politics, assaulted the sensibilities of fellow compatriots and brought the nation to ridicule and disrepute before the international community, Accord has lost confidence in the current leadership of the EFCC.

Mgbudem further alleged that the EFCC exceeded its statutory mandate by freezing the state government's account on August 5, thereby undermining public trust in democratic institutions. He asserted that the EFCC chairman should "toe the path of honour and tender his resignation" to restore the integrity of the anti-graft agency.

The Accord Party chairman highlighted that the EFCC's action occurred amidst what the party describes as months of political violence and intimidation in Osun. Accord members and supporters have allegedly faced killings, shootings, arrests, harassment, and intimidation. The party also claims that its campaign offices and billboards have been attacked by suspected thugs linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite reporting these alleged attacks to security agencies, Accord claims authorities have failed to prevent them or apprehend those responsible, exacerbating fears of a coordinated effort to undermine Governor Ademola Adeleke's administration ahead of the election.

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Accordingly, Accord demands the immediate resignation of the EFCC chairman. For embarrassing the President, the Party, the Government and people of Osun State and fellow citizens. The EFCC chairman should toe the path of honour and tender his resignation. If he fails to resign, President Tinubu should sack him immediately to restore the integrity of the anti-graft agency.