Accord Party Women Leader's Son Killed in Osun
The national leadership of the Accord Party has condemned the killing of Kolade Eluyera, son of its women leader in Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State, describing the incident as barbaric and politically motivated ahead of the August 2026 governorship election. The party stated that the deceased was attacked and killed on Friday, May 8, near Onireke Mosque in Ikire, in what it believes was an attempt to intimidate its members.
Accord Condemns Killing and Demands Justice
In a strongly worded statement, Accord expressed deep sorrow over the incident, insisting that the killing of the young man must not go unpunished. The party said, "It is outrageous and barbaric that a young man would be murdered by political thugs to silence his mother who is a popular Accord woman leader in Irewole Local Government of the state." The party added that Kolade Eluyera was targeted because of his affiliation with Accord, stressing that his political belief was a constitutional right.
Party Calls for Arrest of Perpetrators
Accord called on security agencies to urgently investigate the killing and bring both the perpetrators and their sponsors to justice. "Accord demands the immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of this dastardly murder and their sponsors to face the full weight of the law," it stated. The party also criticised what it described as rising insecurity and alleged political violence targeting its members and campaign materials across the state.
Accusations of Political Violence in Osun
The party alleged that its members have faced harassment and that campaign billboards belonging to both Accord and the Imole Campaign have been destroyed by suspected political thugs. It claimed the situation reflects a worsening political climate as the election draws closer. Accord warned that it would resist any attempt to destabilise the democratic process through violence or intimidation.
Accord Party Backs Governor Adeleke's Administration
The statement also expressed support for the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, describing him as a servant-leader whose government has delivered dividends of democracy to the people. It further stated that the people of Osun State remain supportive of the governor and are committed to continuity of his administration.
Accord Urges Peaceful and Credible Election
Accord called for a peaceful and transparent governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026, urging voters to reject violence, vote buying, and political intimidation. The party emphasised the need for issue-based campaigns and warned against what it described as garrison politics in the state. "Let us make the people's votes count. Let us refuse to mortgage our collective destiny for a mess of electoral porridge that will be offered as vote-buying," the statement added.
Accord expressed confidence that it would perform strongly in the forthcoming election, insisting that attempts to undermine it through violence would fail. The statement was signed by the National Chairman of Accord, Barrister Maxwell Mgbuden, who reaffirmed the party's commitment to peace, democracy, and development in Osun State.
