The campaign organisation of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has raised the alarm over an alleged call for retaliation against Accord Party supporters by Senator Francis Fadahunsi, urging the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to intervene before the August 15 governorship election.
The campaign said the alleged remarks, contained in a viral video purportedly showing Fadahunsi addressing All Progressives Congress supporters in Ilesa, could inflame political tensions and threaten the safety of voters ahead of the poll.
Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, was reportedly speaking to APC supporters when he allegedly accused members of the Accord Party of attacking APC supporters and urged those at the gathering to retaliate.
He was also reportedly heard challenging members of the audience to record his remarks and circulate them on social media.
The Adeleke campaign described the development as a serious security concern, saying political differences should not become a justification for violence or the denial of citizens’ right to vote.
The campaign’s spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, called on the police to urgently investigate the video and take appropriate action if the allegations were established.
“This is a serious threat to lives and the peaceful conduct of the August 15 election.
“Mr Inspector-General of Police, this must be addressed immediately. Nobody has the right to kill an Accord member or any citizen. Nobody has the right to stop Osun people from voting. Enough is enough!”
The campaign urged the police to establish the authenticity and context of the video and ensure
The alleged remarks have also generated reactions on social media, with some Nigerians calling for an investigation ahead of the election.
An Osun indigene, Wale Akintoye, questioned the absence of immediate police action, arguing that statements capable of threatening citizens’ lives should not be ignored during an election season.
Another social media user, Adenike Bekky, condemned the alleged call for retaliation, saying political allegiance should never determine whether a citizen is entitled to safety.
“Why should anyone be threatened or harmed simply because they chose not to decamp with you? Politics should never be a matter of life and death. We cannot all face the same direction, and political differences should never be a reason to threaten the lives of citizens.”
The controversy comes amid heightened political activity across Osun as parties mobilise supporters for the August 15 governorship election.
The Adeleke camp said the development should serve as a warning to security agencies to act swiftly against inflammatory statements and prevent political rhetoric from spilling into violence.
It urged the police and other security agencies to protect the rights of all voters and ensure that no political party or candidate uses intimidation to suppress participation in the election.
Fadahunsi had not publicly responded to the allegation or the campaign’s demand for a police investigation at the time of filing this report.