The Accord Party has appealed to the European Union and ECOWAS to intervene over rising political tension ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
The party’s National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja. He said Accord had written to both organisations over alleged violence and intimidation involving its members and supporters.
Mgbudem described the election as an important test for Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections. He also raised concerns over attacks and threats against party members.
According to him, the party’s petition cited at least 29 reported deaths and several gunshot injuries linked to the political tension.
Mgbudem also alleged that more than 60 Accord members and supporters had been detained in Abuja and Nasarawa State.
He further referred to a viral video in which a serving senator allegedly called for attacks against Accord members.
“More worrisome is the viral video where a sitting Senator ordered that Accord members should be killed wherever they are cited,” Mgbudem said.
The Accord chairman also questioned the actions of federal law enforcement agencies. He cited the temporary freezing of Osun State Government accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The EFCC later reversed the action following public criticism and intervention from President Bola Tinubu.
Mgbudem said Accord respects the duties of security and anti-corruption agencies. However, he warned against what he described as the weaponisation of state power during the election period.
He urged the EU and ECOWAS to monitor developments in Osun and support efforts to ensure a peaceful and credible election.
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