KEY POINTS

• Police summon Senator Fadahunsi.
• Viral comments sparked outrage.
• Senator says he meant voting out Accord.

The Osun State Police Command has summoned Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East, over comments in a viral video in which he appeared to call on supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to “kill” members of the rival Accord Party ahead of the state’s governorship election.

The senator was directed to appear before the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo on Wednesday to explain the circumstances surrounding the remarks.

The police described the comments as potentially threatening, inciting and intimidating, amid heightened political tension in parts of the state.

The controversy followed a rally at the palace of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland in Ilesa, where Fadahunsi and other APC figures were protesting alleged attacks and killings involving members of their party.

In the video that circulated online, the senator referred to Accord Party supporters and appeared to tell APC members that they should respond violently if they encountered them before election day. The remarks triggered public concern over the possibility of further political violence ahead of the 15 August governorship election.

The development came shortly after three people were reportedly killed in a shooting in the Imo area of Ilesa, further raising tensions in the community.

Police demand clarification

The invitation was issued by Samuel Erale Etaifo, the Commissioner of Police overseeing security for the Osun election. The police said the senator was being asked to clarify statements made during the rally that had subsequently circulated across social media platforms.

The command’s action comes as security agencies face increased pressure to prevent violence and maintain order during the final stages of the election campaign.

Fadahunsi has rejected the interpretation that he was calling for physical attacks on Accord Party members. Speaking on Channels Television, he said his comments were political and metaphorical and were intended to encourage APC supporters to defeat the opposition through their votes.

He argued that his remarks had been taken out of context and linked them to a series of violent incidents he said had affected his constituents and members of his community. He claimed that more than 11 people had been killed and several others wounded, although the report did not independently verify those figures.

The senator also alleged that police action against suspects involved in the violence had not gone far enough, including claims that some arrested suspects were later released on bail.

Fadahunsi said the security situation prompted him to lead residents to the palace of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland to protest what he described as worsening insecurity in the community.

He maintained that his intention was to mobilise voters against Accord through democratic means rather than encourage violence. His media office similarly said the controversial statement was a call for supporters to reject the Accord Party at the ballot box during the August 15 election.

The police invitation comes against the backdrop of reported killings, shootings and clashes involving supporters of rival political parties in different parts of Osun.

With the governorship election approaching, security agencies and civil society groups have raised concerns about the potential for political violence. Fadahunsi’s comments have therefore added to calls for politicians and their supporters to avoid statements or actions that could inflame tensions.

As a serving senator and prominent APC figure in Osun East, the police invitation places particular attention on the responsibility of political leaders to promote peaceful participation as voters prepare to cast their ballots.