Accord Party presidential candidate whose candidacy is being contested, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has urged voters in Osun State to resist intimidation and come out peacefully to exercise their right to vote in the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
Olawepo-Hashim, who is also Co-Chairman of the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR), accused the Federal Government of President Bola Tinubu of waging what he described as “a war against the people” of Osun State ahead of the election.
He made the allegations in a statement he personally issued over the weekend, claiming that recent actions by the Federal Government had moved beyond politics to what he called “punitive state oppression.”
‘Stand Your Ground’
The Accord Party presidential candidate urged Osun voters not to be intimidated, calling on them to participate peacefully in the election.
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“Stand your ground. Refuse to be cowed into submission. We are still a democracy and a Republic. Come out peacefully and exercise your constitutional right to vote,” he said.
Olawepo-Hashim alleged that the withholding of local government allocations to Osun, freezing of state government accounts and the alleged provision of security protection for APC supporters accused of attacking opposition members were part of a coordinated effort to undermine democracy and punish the people of the state for political reasons.
He acknowledged reports that restrictions placed on the state government’s accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had been lifted following a directive from President Tinubu.
However, he maintained that the measures should not have been imposed in the first place.
‘Abuse Of Federal Power’
He stressed that the actions amounted to an abuse of federal power and were inconsistent with constitutional democracy.
“This is not politics. It is the punitive conduct of a Federal colonial state treating the people of Osun as vassals,” he said.
Olawepo-Hashim warned that democracy would be endangered if federal institutions were used as political weapons against elected state governments.
He insisted that the sovereignty of the people should not be placed below partisan interests.
Officials Will Be Held Accountable
The politician also warned public officials who he alleged were involved in implementing the measures that they could be held personally responsible for any unlawful actions.
“However this ends, all state officials involved in this political brigandage must note that they will be held individually accountable for their actions,” he declared.
He called on Nigerians and democratic institutions to oppose what he described as the weaponisation of state power, arguing that democracy could not thrive where constitutional powers were allegedly used to intimidate political opponents or undermine the electorate.
Calls For Free And Peaceful Election
With the governorship election only days away, Olawepo-Hashim called on President Tinubu to remove what he described as remaining obstacles to a free, peaceful and credible election.
“It is not too late to apply the brakes. President Tinubu should immediately instruct all security agencies and federal officials to remain neutral and allow the people of Osun to make their choices in an atmosphere devoid of intimidation. The world is watching,” he said.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.