The Osun State governorship election has come under fresh scrutiny after the Accord party asked the European Union (EU) to intervene and support a peaceful, transparent and credible poll.
Accord national chairman, Chief Maxwell Mgbudem, made the appeal in a letter to the EU ahead of the election scheduled for Saturday, 15 August 2026.
The party said the election could shape public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions. It also described the poll as the last major off-cycle governorship election before the 2027 general election.
However, Accord raised concerns about what it described as growing political violence, intimidation, arrests and harassment across the state.
The party claimed that at least 29 people had died in incidents linked to the political environment in Osun. It also alleged that several people suffered gunshot injuries.
In addition, Accord said more than 60 of its members and supporters were arrested and detained in Abuja and Nasarawa State. The party called for independent scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding those arrests.
Accord also questioned the conduct of some federal institutions during the election period. It specifically referred to reported searches of residences belonging to senior Osun government officials and the arrest of some officials.
The party further cited the reported freezing of Osun State Government bank accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). It said the accounts were later unfrozen after President Bola Tinubu intervened following public criticism.
Accord stressed that law-enforcement agencies have a legitimate duty to investigate alleged wrongdoing. However, it argued that such actions must remain impartial and follow due process.
The party also expressed concern over a viral video which it said showed a sitting senator ordering that Accord members should be killed.
Accord urged the EU to pay close attention to developments surrounding the Osun State governorship election. It said international scrutiny could help protect political participation and encourage a level playing field.
The Osun State governorship election will therefore be closely watched as political parties prepare for a contest that could test confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
