Accord Party has called on the European Union (EU) to urgently deploy preventive diplomacy ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State, warning that international intervention after violence or electoral irregularities occur would be too late.
With the August 15 election approaching, the party said rising reports of violence, intimidation, arrests and alleged political interference by state institutions were creating growing concerns over the credibility and peaceful conduct of the poll.
The party also described the election as significant beyond Osun, noting that it would be 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. Mgbudem said the circumstances surrounding the election required preventive measures rather than a response after damage had already occurred.
“We believe that the present situation calls for preventive diplomacy rather than intervention after the damage has been done,” he said.
According to the party, at least 29 people had died in incidents linked to the political atmosphere in Osun, while several others reportedly sustained gunshot injuries.
Accord further alleged that more than 60 of its members and supporters had been arrested and detained in Abuja and Nasarawa State. It called for an independent examination of the circumstances surrounding the arrests. The party said the arrests, alongside other developments, had increased anxiety among political parties, candidates and residents as election day draws closer.
It also expressed concern over searches conducted at the residences of some senior Osun Government officials and the arrest of certain officials, including the Secretary to the State Government. Although those officials were later released following public reactions, Accord said the circumstances surrounding their detention deserved transparent explanation.
Accord also referred to the reported freezing of Osun State Government accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), followed by President Bola Tinubu’s directive that the accounts be unfrozen after public criticism. The party said the development had contributed to concerns about the perceived involvement of government institutions in the electoral environment.
However, Accord clarified that it did not oppose legitimate investigations or lawful enforcement actions by security and anti-corruption agencies. Its concern, it said, was about ensuring that state powers were not used selectively against political opponents or to restrict legitimate participation.
“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 EU’s attention to alleged attacks and intimidation against Accord members.
He specifically referenced a viral video which the party said showed a serving senator allegedly ordering that Accord members be killed wherever they were found. Accord said such an alleged threat, regardless of its intended context, could undermine the party’s ability to campaign and participate fully in the election.
The party urged the EU to encourage Nigerian authorities to ensure that no candidate, political party or voter was disadvantaged through selective enforcement or the misuse of public institutions. It specifically asked the EU to publicly reinforce the need for a free, fair, transparent, credible and peaceful election whose outcome reflects the genuine choice of Osun voters.
Accord also called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to reject violence, hate speech, inflammatory statements, intimidation and political provocation. It urged the Federal Government, security agencies and other public institutions to maintain neutrality and professionalism throughout the electoral process.
The party further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to discharge its constitutional responsibilities independently and transparently in accordance with the Constitution, Electoral Act and relevant regulations.
Security and law-enforcement agencies, it added, should operate within the law while respecting citizens’ fundamental rights and due process, particularly during the sensitive period surrounding the election. Accord also requested credible domestic and international observers for the poll and mechanisms for documenting incidents capable of threatening the election’s integrity.
The party urged political actors to accept the legitimate outcome of the election while pursuing genuine grievances through established legal channels.
It also demanded accountability for anyone found to have sponsored, committed or facilitated political violence or electoral intimidation, regardless of political affiliation. Accord maintained that the EU could help prevent further escalation by encouraging dialogue and restraint among political actors before tensions become more difficult to control.
“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,” it said.
The party described Saturday’s election as more than a contest for political office, arguing that the poll would test whether Nigeria could conduct an election where institutions remain neutral, political competitors enjoy a level playing field and voters can cast their ballots without fear.
According to Accord, a peaceful and credible election would strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of 2027.
Conversely, it warned that allegations of violence, intimidation, institutional bias or electoral manipulation could deepen public distrust. The party stressed that its appeal to the EU was not an attempt to secure political advantage or solicit support for Accord.
“We are not asking the European Union to take sides in the political contest or to endorse any political party or candidate.”
Instead, it said the appeal was aimed at protecting democratic principles, political pluralism, the rule of law and the right of Osun residents to freely determine who governs them. Accord said the ultimate objective was to ensure that the people of Osun State; not fear, intimidation or institutional pressure, determine their political future through a peaceful, transparent and credible election.
