By Our Correspondent
The Accord Party has raised fresh concerns over the alleged rise in political violence ahead of the Osun State governorship election, appealing to the European Union (EU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to closely monitor the situation and help safeguard the democratic process.
The party expressed concern over what it described as an increasingly tense political atmosphere in the state, warning that continued violence and intimidation could undermine the credibility of the election and discourage voters from exercising their constitutional rights.
In its petition, Accord called for greater attention to developments in Osun before, during and after the election, urging regional and international stakeholders to monitor the conduct of political actors and security agencies.
The party said the safety of voters, candidates, party supporters, journalists and other election stakeholders must remain a major priority as the state approaches the polls.
Accord alleged that some of its members and supporters had been subjected to attacks, harassment and intimidation in parts of the state.
The party maintained that political disagreements should be settled through democratic means rather than violence, insisting that every eligible voter must be able to participate in the election without fear.
According to the party, the reported incidents have created concerns about the safety of the electoral process and could affect public confidence in the outcome of the election if not urgently addressed.
Accord therefore urged the EU and ECOWAS to pay particular attention to the situation and encourage all stakeholders to respect democratic principles, human rights and the rule of law.
The party also called on security agencies to remain professional, impartial and neutral in the discharge of their responsibilities, stressing that security personnel must protect all citizens and political parties equally.
As political campaigns and preparations intensify, Accord appealed to its supporters to remain calm and avoid any action capable of escalating tensions.
The party further urged rival political parties and their supporters to exercise restraint, warning that no political ambition should be pursued at the expense of human lives and public peace.
The appeal comes at a critical stage of the Osun governorship contest, with political parties intensifying their final mobilisation efforts and voters preparing to make their choice at the ballot box.
The election has attracted significant attention, with expectations that security, voter participation and the credibility of the electoral process will be among the key issues shaping the poll.
Accord stressed that democracy can only thrive when citizens are free to vote according to their conscience without threats, coercion or intimidation.
The party also called on relevant authorities to investigate allegations of political violence and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable under the law.
Meanwhile, stakeholders across the state have continued to call for a peaceful election, urging candidates and their supporters to see the contest as a democratic competition rather than a battle for supremacy.
For Accord, the responsibility of ensuring a peaceful election extends beyond government institutions. The party believes that political parties, candidates, security agencies, election officials, civil society organisations and voters all have important roles to play.
With the election drawing closer, the party’s petition has added fresh urgency to calls for heightened security and greater vigilance across Osun State.
The central message from Accord is clear: the people of Osun must be allowed to choose their next governor freely, peacefully and without fear.
As the state moves toward the governorship poll, all eyes will now be on the authorities and political stakeholders to ensure that the election is decided by the ballot, not violence.
