The national leadership of the Accord Party has appealed to the European Union (EU) to intervene diplomatically and help ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible governorship election in Osun State.
The appeal was contained in a letter addressed to the EU and signed by the party’s National Chairman, Chief Maxwell Mgbudem, ahead of the election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Accord said the election was particularly significant as the last major off-cycle governorship poll before the 2027 general elections, arguing that its conduct would have implications for public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The party expressed concern over what it described as rising political tension, violence, intimidation, arrests and harassment across the state.
According to Accord, at least 29 people had reportedly been killed, while several others sustained gunshot injuries in incidents linked to the political environment in Osun.
The party also alleged that more than 60 of its members and supporters had been arrested and detained in Abuja and Nasarawa State, describing the circumstances surrounding the arrests as requiring urgent clarification and independent scrutiny.
Accord further raised concerns over alleged politically selective actions by federal law-enforcement and regulatory agencies, including reported searches of residences of senior Osun State Government officials and the arrest of some officials.
The party specifically referenced the arrest and subsequent release of the Secretary to the Osun State Government, saying the incident had contributed to the atmosphere of apprehension ahead of the election.
It also cited the reported freezing of Osun State Government bank accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), followed by President Bola Tinubu’s directive for the accounts to be unfrozen after public criticism.
While acknowledging the constitutional responsibilities of law-enforcement and anti-corruption agencies, Accord said the timing and perceived selectivity of such actions during an election period could undermine public confidence if they were not transparently carried out.
The party said it was not opposed to legitimate investigations or enforcement actions but urged authorities to ensure that state institutions were not used to intimidate political opponents or restrict lawful political participation.
Accord further alleged that its members had faced a pattern of attacks, arrests and harassment, and expressed concern over a viral video in which a serving senator was allegedly heard ordering that Accord members should be killed.
The party said such developments could weaken its ability to participate fully in the electoral process and undermine the level playing field required for a credible election.
Accord’s demands
The party called on the EU to use its diplomatic influence to encourage the immediate de-escalation of political tensions in Osun State.
Among other requests, Accord urged the EU to publicly reaffirm the need for a free, fair, transparent and peaceful election whose outcome would reflect the will of voters.
It also called for all political parties, candidates and supporters to reject violence, intimidation, inflammatory rhetoric, hate speech and political provocation.
Accord urged the Federal Government, security agencies and other public institutions to maintain political neutrality and professionalism throughout the electoral process.
The party also appealed to the EU to encourage the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to carry out its constitutional responsibilities independently and transparently, while urging security agencies to respect fundamental rights and due process.
It further called for credible domestic and international observation of the election and appropriate mechanisms for documenting incidents capable of threatening the integrity of the poll.
Accord urged political actors to accept the legitimate outcome of the election and pursue any genuine grievances through established legal and electoral dispute-resolution mechanisms.
The party also called for accountability against individuals found responsible for sponsoring or perpetrating political violence, electoral intimidation or other serious violations, regardless of their political affiliation.
Accord said the situation required “preventive diplomacy rather than intervention after the damage has been done”, arguing that timely international engagement could help prevent further escalation.
The party stressed that it was not asking the EU to support any political party or candidate but to help protect democratic principles, political pluralism, the rule of law and the right of Osun residents to freely choose their leaders.
Accord concluded that a peaceful and credible Osun governorship election would strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions and provide an important foundation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
