Accord Party has asked the European Union to intervene in the political crisis in Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
Accord National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, in a letter dated August 12, 2026, and addressed to Gautier Migot, Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, alleged that the political atmosphere in Osun State had degenerated, with reports of violence, arrests, intimidation and harassment of political actors and supporters.
Mgbudem claimed that no fewer than 29 people had been killed and several others injured in incidents allegedly linked to the political situation in the state.
The Accord chairman also alleged that more than 60 Accord members and supporters had been arrested and detained in Abuja and Nasarawa state.
He expressed concern over what he described as the selective use of Federal law-enforcement and regulatory institutions during the election period.
The Accord chairman, however, clarified that the party’s concerns were not intended to obstruct legitimate investigations or lawful enforcement actions.
“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 petition reads.
Mgbudem further alleged that Accord members had faced attacks, harassment and intimidation, citing a viral video in which Francis Fadahunsi, a serving senator, allegedly called for Accord members to be killed wherever they were found.
He urged the EU to take the allegations into consideration and use its diplomatic influence to encourage Nigerian authorities to ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
“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,” the petition reads.
Accord also called on the EU to publicly support a free, fair, transparent and peaceful election, with the outcome determined by the votes of the electorate.
“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,” it said.
Mgbudem said the proposed intervention should focus on preventive diplomacy, arguing that early international engagement could help prevent further escalation.
“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 Accord chairman said.
