OSOGBO — Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, has denied calling for violence against members and supporters of the Accord Party ahead of the August 15, 2026 Osun governorship election, despite a viral video in which he was heard using the expression “kill” in reference to Accord members.
The controversy erupted on Tuesday after footage of Fadahunsi addressing supporters in Ilesa circulated widely on social media. Reports said the senator, speaking in Yoruba, was heard urging supporters to deal with Accord Party members if they encountered them before the election.
The remarks have attracted condemnation from political opponents, including the campaign organisation of Governor Ademola Adeleke, which called on the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to investigate the senator. Adeleke also demanded Fadahunsi’s arrest and prosecution, describing the alleged remarks as a serious threat to the peaceful conduct of the election.
Fadahunsi: ‘I meant kill Accord with votes’
Responding to the controversy, Fadahunsi said his statement had been misunderstood.
In a statement issued through his media office, the senator explained that his reference to “killing” Accord was intended as a political metaphor for defeating the party at the ballot box.
“I meant kill Accord with your votes,” he was quoted as saying.
His media office maintained that the senator had never advocated violence, intimidation or physical attacks against Accord Party members or supporters.
According to the statement, Fadahunsi’s position was that the APC should defeat Accord through the votes of the electorate rather than through physical confrontation.
The senator subsequently urged political actors and supporters to maintain peace and allow voters to freely exercise their constitutional rights.
Video evidence fuels controversy
The clarification, however, has failed to immediately end the controversy because the video itself has continued circulating online.
Reports on the footage said Fadahunsi was addressing APC supporters in Ilesa and even challenged those present to record his remarks and circulate them.
The Nation also reported that the remarks came amid heightened political tension following attacks on APC supporters in Ilesa. The newspaper reported that APC members had protested alleged killings of their supporters before Fadahunsi addressed the gathering.
Governor Adeleke subsequently called for police intervention, while his campaign spokesman, Pelumi Olajengbesi, described the reported statement as a threat to lives and the peaceful conduct of the election.
A critical moment for Osun
The controversy comes just days before voters in Osun State are scheduled to elect their governor, amid heightened political tension and allegations of violence involving supporters of rival political parties.
Fadahunsi’s subsequent clarification introduces an important distinction between what he says he intended and what opponents contend the video appears to communicate.
Whether the statement was political rhetoric or an actual call to violence will ultimately depend on the full context of the recording and any investigation conducted by relevant authorities.
What is beyond dispute, however, is that inflammatory language by political leaders carries significant risks in an already tense electoral environment.
With the election approaching, all political actors face a fundamental responsibility: campaign vigorously, defeat opponents at the ballot box, but protect the lives and voting rights of every Nigerian regardless of party affiliation.
The overriding test for Osun’s political leadership is therefore not merely who wins the election, but whether the people can vote freely, safely and without intimidation.
