The Presidential Candidate of the Accord Party and Co-Chairman of the Movement for Democratic Renewal, MDR, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has strongly condemned what he described as a coordinated attempt to undermine democracy in Osun State ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
In a statement issued over the weekend, Dr. Olawepo-Hashim accused the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of actions that amount to punitive state oppression against the people of Osun State.
The Accord Party candidate alleged that the withholding of Osun State’s local government allocations, the freezing of state government accounts, and the provision of security cover for individuals allegedly involved in attacks on opposition members constitute an abuse of federal power.
“These actions have crossed the line from politics into punitive state oppression. They represent a coordinated attempt to undermine democratic governance and punish the people of Osun for political reasons,” he stated.
While acknowledging reports that the restrictions placed on the state’s accounts by the EFCC were lifted following the President’s directive, Dr. Olawepo-Hashim maintained that such measures should never have been imposed in the first instance.
“This is not politics. It is the conduct of a federal structure treating the people of Osun as vassals. It is inconsistent with the tenets of constitutional democracy,” he added.
Dr. Olawepo-Hashim warned that democracy cannot thrive where federal institutions are deployed as instruments of political coercion against elected subnational governments.
He further cautioned public officials involved in the implementation of the alleged measures, stating that they bear personal responsibility for any unlawful actions, irrespective of the outcome of the political contest.
“However this dispute ends, all officials who participated in this political brigandage must note that they will be held individually accountable for their actions under the law,” he declared.
With the Osun governorship election days away, Dr. Olawepo-Hashim called on President Tinubu to ensure a level playing field and the immediate removal of all obstacles to a credible poll.
“It is not too late to apply the brakes. Mr. President should immediately direct all security agencies and federal officials to remain neutral and allow the people of Osun to exercise their franchise in an atmosphere free of intimidation. The world is watching,” he urged.
He also called on the people of Osun to remain peaceful but resolute.
“Reject intimidation. Stand firm. We remain a democracy and a republic. Come out on August 15 and exercise your constitutional right to vote,” Dr. Olawepo-Hashim concluded.
