Osun poll: Accord seeks EU intervention over alleged attacks, tension

The Accord Party has appealed to the European Union to intervene in the rising political tension in Nigeria's Osun State, ahead of Saturday's governorship election. The party cited alleged attacks, arrests, and intimidation of its members as reasons for its concern, urging the EU to use its diplomatic influence to promote a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process.

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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.

Central to the Accord Party's appeal is a viral video reportedly showing Senator Francis Fadahunsi calling for Accord members to be killed. While the senator has denied making such a statement, the party claims it has heightened fears among its supporters. Accord expressed deep concern over what it described as a pattern of attacks, arrests, and harassment targeting its members, potentially hindering their effective participation in the election and compromising the level playing field.

The party further alleged that at least 29 people have lost their lives and numerous others sustained injuries in incidents linked to the political climate in Osun. Additionally, Accord claims that over 60 of its members and supporters have been arrested and detained in Abuja and Nasarawa states, calling for clarification and independent scrutiny of these arrests.

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More worrisome is the viral video where a sitting Senator ordered that Accord members should be killed wherever they are sited.

Accord also raised concerns about the perceived selective involvement of federal law-enforcement and regulatory institutions, pointing to searches of Osun State government officials' residences, arrests of some officials, and the freezing of state government bank accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. These actions, the party contends, contribute to the heightened political tension and apprehension among political actors and citizens.

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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.