By John Dike, Osogbo
A group, identified as “Concerned Members of Accord Party Osun State” has petitioned the Accord Party over its Osun East senatorial aspirant, Hon. Ibukun Fadipe Ishola.
Dated May 20, 2026 and addressed to the party’s National Chairman in Abuja, the petition called on the party leadership to reconsider the alleged plan to present Hon. Fadipe as the party’s candidate for the Osun East Senatorial District in the forthcoming election.
The petitioners alleged that Hon. Fadipe, who currently serves as Executive Chairman of the Osun State Universal Basic Education Board, is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over issues relating to UBEC matching grant funds and contract disbursements.
According to the petition, an EFCC invitation letter dated May 19, 2026 requested several documents from the SUBEB chairman, including records of contracts awarded, payment vouchers, approvals, project status reports, and other financial documents connected with UBEC grants from 2024 to date.
The petitioners argued that the development could negatively affect the image and electoral chances of the party if Hon. Fadipe eventually emerges as its senatorial candidate.
They further stated that opposition parties could use the issue as a major campaign tool during the election period, warning that the controversy may create internal crisis within the party.
“The EFCC’s letter is already in the hands of members of other political parties in the state,” the petition partly read, adding that party leaders should avoid actions capable of damaging the party’s reputation ahead of the elections.
The concerned members therefore urged the national leadership of the party to prevail on the Osun State chapter to suspend Hon. Fadipe’s senatorial ambition pending the outcome of the alleged EFCC investigation.
However, as of the time of filing this report, neither Hon. Ibukun Fadipe Ishola nor the Osun State chapter of the Accord Party had officially responded to the allegations contained in the petition.
