ABUJA, Nigeria — The Accord Party has appealed to the European Union to intervene in the escalating political tension in Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, citing alleged attacks, arrests, and intimidation of its members.

In a letter dated August 12, 2026, addressed to the EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Migot, the party urged the EU to leverage its diplomatic influence to foster a free, fair, credible, and peaceful election.

This appeal follows the party's significant concerns over alleged political violence in the state. Accord specifically referenced a viral video where the Senator representing Osun East Senatorial District, Francis Fadahunsi, was reportedly heard calling for Accord members to be killed, a statement the Senator has since denied.

The party stated that such alleged remarks have heightened fears among its members and supporters in the lead-up to the election.

“Accord is deeply concerned about reports of political violence, intimidation, arrests, harassment and deployment of State institutions and security agencies in ways that have heightened political tension and generated considerable apprehension among political actors and citizens in the State,” the party communicated.

Accord further elaborated that it and its members have regrettably become increasingly concerned about being subjected to what they perceive as a pattern of attacks, arrests, harassment, and intimidation. The party highlighted the viral video as particularly worrisome, where a sitting Senator allegedly ordered the killing of Accord members.

The party contends that such actions could “weaken the ability of the Party and its members to participate effectively in the electoral process” and compromise the level playing field essential for a credible election.

“We are particularly concerned that these actions could have the effect, whether intended or otherwise, of weakening the ability of the Party and its members to participate effectively in the electoral process and of compromising the level playing field required for a credible election,” the party stated.

Accord claimed that at least 29 individuals have lost their lives, with several others sustaining gunshot injuries in incidents connected to the political climate in Osun. Additionally, the party alleged that more than 60 Accord members and supporters were arrested and detained in Abuja and Nasarawa states, calling for urgent clarification and independent scrutiny of these arrests.

The party also raised concerns regarding the perceived selective involvement of federal law-enforcement and regulatory institutions in the state's political environment. This included the searches of residences of some senior Osun State Government officials, the arrest of some officials, and the reported freezing of the state government’s bank accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

These officials were subsequently released, and the accounts were unfrozen following public concern and intervention. However, Accord clarified that it does not oppose legitimate investigations or enforcement actions by law-enforcement agencies.

“Accord respectfully acknowledges that law-enforcement and anti-corruption institutions have legitimate constitutional and statutory responsibilities which must be discharged without political interference,” the party noted.

“However, 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,” it added.

The party urged the EU to encourage the Federal Government, security agencies, and other public institutions to maintain political neutrality and professionalism throughout the electoral process. It also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to perform its duties independently and impartially, while urging security agencies to uphold fundamental rights and due process.

Accord further requested the EU's support for credible domestic and international observation of the election and encouraged political actors to accept the outcome or pursue grievances through legally established electoral dispute-resolution mechanisms.

The party stressed the importance of preventive diplomacy, suggesting that international intervention before the election would be more beneficial than action after violence has occurred.

“The present situation calls for preventive diplomacy rather than intervention after the damage has been done,” the party stated.

Accord maintained that the August 15 election would serve as a significant test of Nigeria’s capacity to conduct elections where institutions remain neutral and citizens can vote without fear. The party emphasized that its appeal was not for the EU to support Accord or any other candidate, but rather to safeguard democratic principles, political pluralism, and the right of Osun residents to freely choose their leaders.