By Mary Onyia
The Osun State Police Command has summoned Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, over a viral video in which he was allegedly heard urging supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to “kill” members of the rival Accord Party ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The invitation, dated August 11 and signed by the Commissioner of Police for Elections in Osun, Samuel Etaifo Erale, asked Fadahunsi to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo on Wednesday to clarify the remarks, which police described as potentially “threatening, inciting and intimidating.”
Fadahunsi has since denied advocating physical violence, saying his controversial words were political and metaphorical.
In a statement issued by his media office, titled “Kill Osun Accord with Votes, Not Violence,” the senator said he was urging APC supporters to defeat the Accord Party “at the ballot box through lawful, peaceful and democratic means” on August 15. He also called on political actors and voters to maintain peace and urged security agencies to protect voters’ rights.
The controversy comes amid heightened tension ahead of the poll, with Governor Ademola Adeleke seeking re-election on the Accord platform against APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji and other contenders, including African Democratic Congress candidate Najeem Salaam.
INEC has fixed Saturday, August 15, for the election, while political parties and their candidates have been urged to maintain peace.
The latest incident follows weeks of allegations of political intimidation and violence in the state.
Political leaders signed a peace accord in July, with the National Peace Committee warning that the commitment must be more than a ceremony. At an INEC stakeholders’ meeting shortly before the pact, supporters of the APC and Accord reportedly nearly clashed, underscoring concerns about the atmosphere surrounding the election.
With only days to the vote, Fadahunsi’s invitation has added another layer to an already tense contest. His explanation will now be weighed alongside the video that triggered the controversy, while the police investigation will be closely watched.
For Osun voters, the immediate priority is ensuring that Saturday’s election is decided by ballots—not threats, intimidation, or violence.