The Accord Party has officially demanded that the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) resign from his position, citing the agency’s alleged bias and interference in the upcoming Osun State gubernatorial election. The party’s National Chairman, Chief Maxwell Mgbudem, made this demand during a press conference in Abuja, asserting that the commission compromised its neutrality by freezing the Osun State Government bank account on August 5. Although the federal government later reversed this decision, the party argued the act severely damaged public trust.
Mgbudem claimed that the EFCC’s actions represent a broader strategy to destabilize Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration. He pointed to months of alleged violence, harassment, and the destruction of campaign property by individuals linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to the party, security agencies have failed to act on reported threats, further heightening concerns about the integrity of the August 15 poll.
Addressing the Federal Government, Mgbudem cautioned against using state institutions to suppress the opposition. He emphasized that elections should not be treated as warfare and warned that militarizing the process undermines democracy. The Accord Party urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure the neutrality of security and anti-graft agencies, while also requesting the release of approximately 60 party members currently detained across various states.
Looking toward election day, the party called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a transparent, credible, and inclusive process. Mgbudem expressed full confidence in the party’s success, stating that despite attempts to undermine their efforts, the voters of Osun would choose to re-elect Governor Adeleke based on his performance. The party further appealed to international observers and civil society organizations to monitor the proceedings closely to prevent voter suppression and violence.
