The Accord Party has called on the European Union (EU) to intervene diplomatically in Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, citing growing concerns over alleged violence and political tension. The party made the appeal in a letter dated August 12, 2026, addressed to Gautier Migot, Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS.
National Chairman of the party, Maxwell Mgbudem, who signed the letter, alleged that the political climate in Osun had deteriorated significantly as the election approaches. According to him, reports of violence, arrests, intimidation and harassment of political actors and supporters had raised concerns about the credibility and peaceful conduct of the poll.
Mgbudem claimed that at least 29 people had been killed in incidents allegedly linked to the political situation in the state, while several others reportedly sustained injuries. He also alleged that more than 60 Accord members and supporters had been arrested and detained in Abuja and Nasarawa State.
The party chairman further questioned what he described as the selective deployment of federal law enforcement and regulatory agencies during the election period. He, however, clarified that Accord was not opposed to legitimate investigations or lawful enforcement, but said concerns had emerged over the timing and manner in which some 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 faced attacks, harassment and intimidation in the build-up to the election. He referred to a viral video in which Senator Francis Fadahunsi was allegedly heard calling for Accord members to be killed wherever they were found. The senator had previously denied the allegation.
Against the backdrop of the claims, the Accord chairman asked the EU to use its diplomatic influence to encourage Nigerian authorities to create a level playing field for all parties participating in the election. He said international engagement at this stage could help reduce tensions and prevent further deterioration of the political situation.
“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 urged the EU to publicly support a free, fair, transparent and peaceful election. According to Accord, the eventual winner should emerge solely through the freely expressed votes of Osun residents.
“Specifically, we respectfully request that the European Union publicly reaffirm the importance of a free, fair, transparent, credible, and peaceful election in Osun State, with the outcome determined solely by the freely expressed will of the electorate,” the party stated.
Mgbudem described the proposed EU involvement as an opportunity for preventive diplomacy, arguing that early international attention could help avert further escalation before voters head to the polls. He maintained that political competition should remain peaceful and democratic, stressing that all parties must operate within the rule of law as the state approaches Saturday’s election.
