OSOGBO, Nigeria — The Accord Party has called on the European Union to intervene in the escalating political tension surrounding the Osun State governorship election, alleging attacks, arrests and intimidation of its members ahead of the poll.
The party made the appeal amid growing concerns over the security situation in the state, with Accord officials alleging that some of their members and supporters have been subjected to harassment and arrests in different parts of Osun.
According to the party, the alleged incidents have created an atmosphere of fear among its members and could affect their ability to participate freely in the electoral process. It therefore urged the European Union and other international stakeholders to closely monitor developments in the state and encourage Nigerian authorities to uphold democratic principles.
Accord also raised concerns over what it described as the alleged targeting of its leaders and supporters by security agencies. The party called for transparency in the handling of arrests and demanded that anyone detained in connection with political activities be treated in accordance with the law.
The appeal comes against the backdrop of heightened political activities in Osun as parties intensify their campaigns and mobilisation ahead of the governorship election. The contest has been accompanied by allegations of political violence, intimidation and clashes involving supporters of rival parties.
The party said international attention was necessary to discourage actions that could undermine voters’ confidence and compromise the credibility of the election. It urged security agencies to remain neutral and protect all political parties and voters without discrimination.
Accord further called for the protection of fundamental rights, including freedom of movement, peaceful assembly and participation in political activities. It maintained that security measures should be deployed to protect voters and election officials rather than intimidate political opponents.
The party’s request for EU intervention adds to growing calls by political parties, civil society groups and other stakeholders for heightened scrutiny of the security situation ahead of the Osun poll.
With the election approaching, attention is increasingly focused on whether security agencies will be able to maintain peace, prevent political violence and provide a level playing field for all participating parties.
Accord urged the EU and other international observers to engage relevant Nigerian authorities and closely monitor the situation before, during and after the election. It said such oversight would help reassure voters and strengthen confidence in the electoral process.
The party also appealed to its members and supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding despite the alleged incidents, while urging security authorities to investigate all reported attacks and hold perpetrators accountable regardless of political affiliation
The latest development underscores the growing concern among political stakeholders over security and the protection of democratic rights as Osun State prepares for the governorship election.
