Osun election: Accord petitions EU, ECOWAS over alleged violence, intimidation

The Accord Party has petitioned the European Union (EU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), seeking urgent intervention over alleged rising political violence and tension ahead of Saturday’s Osun governorship election.

The National Chairman of the party, Mr Maxwell Mgbudem, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mgbudem said the party had, in a letter dated Aug. 12, drawn the attention of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS to what it described as worsening political tension and threats to the safety of its members and supporters.

He described the election as an important test of Nigeria’s democratic development and a precursor to the 2027 general elections.

According to him, the party is concerned about alleged intimidation and violence targeting its members, which he said could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.

Mgbudem said data and incident trackers cited in the petition indicated that the political environment had become increasingly volatile, with at least 29 reported deaths and several gunshot injuries.

He also alleged that more than 60 Accord members and supporters had been detained across Abuja and Nasarawa State, while some prominent political figures had allegedly issued threats of violence.

“More worrisome is the viral video where a sitting senator ordered that Accord members should be killed wherever they are sighted,” he said.

The Accord chairman said the developments raised concerns about the impartiality of federal law enforcement and regulatory agencies in the period leading to the election.

He also cited the freezing of the Osun State Government’s bank accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which was later reversed following public outcry and presidential intervention.

While acknowledging the statutory responsibilities of anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies, Mgbudem cautioned against what he described as the “weaponisation 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 to intimidate political opponents, restrict lawful political participation or create an uneven electoral playing field,” he said.

He called on the EU to deploy its diplomatic influence in support of political neutrality by security agencies, independent oversight by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and adequate security for voters and political participants.

Mgbudem stressed that the party was not asking the EU or ECOWAS to support any political party or candidate.

“We are not asking the EU to take sides in the political contest or to endorse any political party or candidate.

“Our appeal is for the protection of democratic principles, the rule of law, political pluralism and the fundamental right of the people of Osun to freely choose their leaders,” he said.

He urged stakeholders to ensure that Saturday’s election reflected the genuine wishes of the people of Osun and was conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner.