The Accord Party has called on the European Union, EU, to urgently deploy preventive diplomacy ahead of Saturday’s Osun governorship election.
The party warned that waiting until violence or electoral irregularities occur before international intervention could make any response too late to prevent damage. With the August 15 election approaching, Accord said reports of violence, intimidation, arrests and alleged partisan use of state institutions were creating growing uncertainty around the electoral process.
The party also described the poll as significant beyond Osun, noting that it is the final major off-cycle governorship election before the 2027 general elections. Accord National Chairman, Chief Maxwell Mgbudem, made the appeal in a letter dated August 12 and addressed to the EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Migot.
“We believe that the present situation calls for preventive diplomacy rather than intervention after the damage has been done,” Mgbudem said.
The party alleged that at least 29 people had died in incidents linked to the political environment in Osun, while several others reportedly sustained gunshot injuries. It also claimed that more than 60 of its members and supporters had been arrested and detained in Abuja and Nasarawa State.
Accord called for an independent examination of the circumstances surrounding the arrests. According to the party, the development formed part of a broader pattern of actions that had increased anxiety among political parties, candidates and residents as the election draws closer.
The party also cited searches of residences belonging to senior Osun Government officials and the arrest of some officials, including the Secretary to the State Government. Although the officials were later released following public concern, Accord said the circumstances surrounding their detention still required transparent clarification.
Accord also pointed to the freezing of Osun State Government accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, as another development that had heightened political tension.
The party noted that President Bola Tinubu subsequently directed that the accounts be unfrozen following public criticism. While acknowledging the constitutional responsibilities of law-enforcement and anti-corruption agencies, Accord said legitimate investigations should not be confused with the selective use of state power.
“Our concern, therefore, is not to obstruct any lawful investigation or enforcement action, but to ensure that legitimate State powers are not deployed in a manner that intimidates political opponents, restricts lawful political participation or creates an uneven electoral playing field,” the party said.
Mgbudem also drew the attention of the EU to alleged attacks and intimidation involving Accord members. He specifically referenced a viral video which the party claimed showed a serving senator ordering that Accord members be killed wherever they were found.
Accord said the alleged statement, regardless of its context or intent, could undermine the party’s ability to campaign and mobilise supporters freely. The party therefore urged the EU to encourage Nigerian authorities to ensure that no political party, candidate or voter is disadvantaged through selective enforcement or misuse of public institutions.
The party asked the EU to publicly reaffirm the importance of a free, fair, transparent, credible and peaceful election. It also urged political parties, candidates and supporters to reject violence, hate speech, intimidation, inflammatory rhetoric and political provocation. According to Accord, federal authorities, security agencies and other public institutions must remain politically neutral and professional throughout the electoral process.
The party equally called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to perform its constitutional responsibilities independently and transparently. It said security agencies must operate within the law while respecting fundamental rights and due process, particularly during the sensitive period surrounding the election.
Accord further requested credible domestic and international observation of the election. It said mechanisms should be established to document incidents capable of undermining the integrity or peaceful conduct of the poll. The party also urged political actors to accept legitimate election results while pursuing genuine grievances through established legal channels.
It called for accountability against anyone found to have sponsored, committed or facilitated political violence or electoral intimidation, irrespective of political affiliation. According to Accord, the EU could help prevent further deterioration by encouraging dialogue and restraint among political actors before tensions become more difficult to contain.
“A timely and principled intervention by the European Union could send a powerful message that political competition must remain peaceful, democratic and respectful of the rule of law,” the party said.
Accord said the Osun election represented more than a contest for political office. The party described it as a test of whether Nigeria could conduct an election where institutions remain neutral, political parties compete on an even field and voters cast their ballots without fear.
It warned that a peaceful and credible election would strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of 2027. Conversely, it said perceptions of violence, intimidation, institutional bias or manipulation could deepen public distrust in the electoral process.
“We are not asking the European Union to take sides in the political contest or to endorse any political party or candidate,” Accord said.
The party said its appeal was ultimately about protecting democratic principles, political pluralism, the rule of law and the right of Osun voters to freely determine their political future.
