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The Osun State chapter of the Accord Party has denied allegations that its members were attacking supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the aftermath of the governorship election, insisting that its members remained victims of political violence.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Osogbo, the state Chairman of the party, Pastor Victor Akande, described the APC's allegations as "false and misleading," accusing the opposition party of attempting to divert attention from what he called months of attacks on Accord members.
The party alleged that no fewer than 20 of its members were killed during the build-up to the election, while about 30 others sustained gunshot injuries and are still receiving treatment.
Accord maintained that despite the alleged attacks, its supporters had not retaliated against members of the opposition.
The party further claimed that some APC members publicly made inciting statements before the election, calling for attacks on Accord supporters, alleging that security agencies failed to act on the threats.
It also alleged that several of its leaders were arrested on the eve of the election in a move aimed at weakening the party's mobilisation efforts.
According to the statement, homes belonging to some Accord members in Ikire were vandalised, forcing many supporters to seek refuge in unfinished buildings to avoid arrest.
The party also accused the APC of illegally occupying local government councils, mismanaging local government funds and using state institutions to intimidate political opponents during the election period.
Accord further alleged that dozens of its members were detained and that transport union leadership was dissolved to install persons loyal to the APC.
The party maintained that its members remained law-abiding and committed to peaceful political engagement.
It urged security agencies to investigate the incidents of political violence and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
The statement was signed by the Osun State Chairman of the Accord Party, Pastor Victor Akande.
