The ruling Accord Party in Osun State has appealed to the African Union (AU), United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), as well as the governments of the United States and the United Kingdom, to closely monitor the August 15 governorship election, alleging a worsening security climate marked by political violence, intimidation and arrests of its members.
The appeal comes amid heightened political tension in the state, where rival parties have repeatedly traded accusations over attacks and the conduct of security agencies ahead of the governorship contest.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Secretary of the South-West Forum of Accord and Lagos State Chairman, Dele Oladeji, the party urged the international community to pressure Nigerian authorities to guarantee a peaceful election, protect political actors and ensure a level playing field for all contestants.
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Oladeji alleged that politically motivated attacks had intensified since campaigns officially commenced, claiming that several Accord members, government officials and relatives of Governor Ademola Adeleke had been targeted.
According to him, the violence has claimed lives, including that of a 14-year-old boy, while several others have sustained injuries.
He lamented that no meaningful arrests or prosecutions had followed the reported incidents, arguing that the development had fuelled fears over the ability of security agencies to provide adequate protection before the election.
The Accord chieftain also criticised what he described as selective enforcement by security agencies, alleging that some suspects linked to attacks remained free and were openly moving with police protection.
Although he accused the Federal Government and security agencies of enabling what he termed “state-aided violence and intimidation,” he did not provide documentary evidence to support the allegations.
Oladeji further questioned the July 29 arrest of Osun Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, who was detained over allegations of vote-buying before regaining his freedom.
He argued that the arrest was politically motivated, insisting that no voting exercise was taking place at the time.
The Accord official also alleged that more than 100 party members and political office holders had been arrested in recent months.
According to him, 61 members remained in police custody after being transferred from Osun to the Federal Capital Territory without being formally charged or arraigned in court.
The party also accused the Nigeria Police Force of political bias, alleging that federal security agencies were being deployed to favour the opposition APC ahead of the election.
Accord warned that continued tension could undermine voter confidence and democratic participation if urgent measures were not taken.
The party therefore called on the AU, UN, EU, USAID, UKAID and other democratic institutions to closely monitor the election and help safeguard its credibility.
It also urged the Nigeria Police Force to remain politically neutral while calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct the poll fairly and transparently.
The latest appeal comes after months of political disagreements over security in Osun. Federal authorities have repeatedly assured residents that security agencies will deal firmly with anyone involved in election violence, while international observers, including the European Union, are expected to monitor the August 15 governorship election.
