The Accord Party has appealed to the European Union (EU) to closely monitor the political situation in Osun State and use its diplomatic influence to promote a peaceful, credible and transparent governorship election scheduled for Saturday.
The appeal was contained in a letter dated August 12, 2026, and addressed to Gautier Migot, Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS.
The letter, signed by Accord’s National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, alleged that the political atmosphere in the state had deteriorated ahead of the election, citing reports of violence, arrests, intimidation and harassment of political actors and supporters.
Mgbudem claimed that at least 29 people had been killed in incidents allegedly linked to the political situation in the state, while several others sustained injuries.
He also alleged that more than 60 members and supporters of the Accord Party had been arrested and detained in Abuja and Nasarawa State.
The party chairman further raised concerns over what he described as the selective deployment of federal law enforcement and regulatory institutions during the election period.
He stressed, however, that the party was not opposed to legitimate investigations or lawful enforcement actions, but expressed concern about the timing and manner in which such actions were allegedly being carried out.
“The timing, manner and perceived selectivity of actions by public institutions during an election period are capable of undermining public confidence if they are not demonstrably impartial, transparent and consistent with due process,” the letter stated.
Mgbudem also alleged that members of the party had been subjected to attacks, harassment and intimidation.
He cited a viral video in which Senator Francis Fadahunsi was allegedly heard calling for Accord members to be killed wherever they were found. Fadahunsi has previously denied the allegation.
Against this backdrop, the Accord chairman urged the EU to consider the allegations and use its diplomatic influence to encourage Nigerian authorities to guarantee a level playing field for all political parties participating in the election.
“It is against this background that we respectfully appeal to the European Union delegation to consider using its good offices and diplomatic influence to encourage the immediate de-escalation of the political situation in Osun State,” Mgbudem said.
The party also called on the EU to publicly support a free, fair, transparent and peaceful election, with the outcome determined solely by the votes of the electorate.
Specifically, Accord urged the EU to reaffirm the importance of a credible and peaceful electoral process in Osun State and ensure that political competition remains guided by democratic principles and the rule of law.
Mgbudem said the proposed intervention should focus on preventive diplomacy, arguing that early international engagement could help prevent further escalation of tensions before the election.
He added that timely intervention by the EU would reinforce the need for all political actors to pursue their campaigns peacefully and respect democratic institutions and the rule of law.
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