{
  "id": 1540857,
  "title": "Accord chairman demands release of detained Osun supporters, LG funds",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/accord-chairman-demands-release-of-detained-osun-supporters-lg-funds",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-17T18:35:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/17/accord-chairman-demands-release-of-detained-osun-supporters-lg-funds/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Maxwell Mgbudem, the National Chairman of the Accord, has called for the immediate release of party members and supporters detained following the Osun State governorship election. Mgbudem made the demand during a press conference in reaction to the victory of the party’s candidate, incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke. He described Adeleke’s win as a victory of courage over fear and intimidation, emphasizing that the election reflected the determination of Osun voters to freely choose their governor despite attempts to suppress the Accord and its supporters. Mgbudem highlighted the election as a significant moment for Nigeria's democracy, noting that voters demonstrated their resolve to protect their votes and actively participate in the democratic process. He alleged that the election was marred by harassment, intimidation, property destruction, arrests, detentions, killings, and the use of federal forces, particularly the police and EFCC, aimed at suppressing the Accord and the state government. Mgbudem also alleged that withholding federal allocations to Osun local government areas was part of efforts to weaken the Adeleke administration and destabilize the state, making it ungovernable. He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release the withheld funds, arguing that they were meant for grassroots development and should not be used as a political tool. Mgbudem stressed that the Accord prepared for an election, not a war, and that the party believes in the supremacy of the ballot over violence. He expressed his concern over the continued detention of Accord leaders, candidates, members, and supporters, describing it as a violation of their fundamental rights and urged the Inspector-General of Police to intervene. Mgbudem called for political parties, candidates, members, and supporters to unite for the development of Osun State, emphasizing that the state's interest is greater than individual and political interests. He commended Nigerians, civil society organizations, election observers, INEC, and security agencies for their roles in the electoral process and urged stakeholders to support democratic values, peaceful political participation, and national unity.",
  "summary": "The National Chairman of the Accord, Maxwell Mgbudem, has called for the immediate and unconditional release of party members and supporters allegedly arrested and detained in connection with the just-concluded Osun State governorship election. Mgbudem also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to order the release of the detained members, arguing that the […] Accord…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}