Accord Party Chairman Cautions Adeleke Against Linking Criminal Suspects to Party

The National Chairman of the Accord Party, Chris Imumolen, has called on Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to stop referring to individuals facing criminal investigations as members of the Accord Party.

Imumolen made the call in a statement reacting to claims by the Osun State Government and the Imole Campaign Council that more than 60 Accord Party members were being unlawfully detained by the Nigeria Police Force.

He dismissed the allegation, insisting that those currently under police investigation are not recognised members or stakeholders of the party.

According to him, the Accord Party cannot be associated with persons allegedly linked to serious criminal offences.

“Our members are not criminals. How can people whose names have consistently been associated with alleged murder and other heinous crimes be tagged as our members?” he said.

Imumolen specifically referenced Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Asipa,” who he alleged had been reported as a long-wanted murder suspect and was recently arrested in the residence of the Osun State Secretary to the State Government. He maintained that such individuals should not be described as members of the Accord Party.

The party chairman also questioned the circumstances surrounding the release of some persons standing trial for alleged offences, including murder and armed robbery, describing suggestions that they belonged to the Accord Party as misleading.

He said the party was founded on the principles of fairness, justice and progress, adding that it would not allow its image to be tarnished by associations with individuals accused of criminal activities.

Imumolen further criticised Governor Adeleke for allegedly defending aides arrested with illegal firearms, urging the state government to allow security agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without interference.

He also expressed concern over the security situation in Osun State, alleging that some individuals released under questionable circumstances were falsely presenting themselves as Accord Party members.

The Accord Party chairman, however, commended the judiciary over a recent judgment of the Court of Appeal on the party’s leadership, saying the ruling clarified the party’s structure and prevented individuals he described as impostors from exploiting its platform.

He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to peace, law and order and urged the Osun State Police Command to investigate and prosecute anyone found culpable of breaching public peace, irrespective of political affiliation or claims.