Osun Election: Fadahunsi Under Fire Over ‘Kill Accord Members’ Remark

Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, has come under intense criticism after a video emerged in which he appeared to tell supporters to “kill” members of the Accord Party ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State.

Fadahunsi, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, was reportedly addressing supporters in Ilesa when the remarks were made. The video, which circulated widely on social media on Tuesday, sparked concerns over the potential impact of inflammatory political rhetoric on the conduct of the August 15 election.

In the footage, Fadahunsi was heard speaking in Yoruba and accusing Accord Party members of attacking APC supporters. He was also reported to have urged those at the gathering to confront Accord supporters and challenged them to record and circulate his remarks.

The comments drew condemnation from political opponents, with the campaign organisation of Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke calling for the senator to be investigated and appropriate action taken.

Following the backlash, however, Fadahunsi issued a clarification through his media office, saying his “kill Accord” remark was a political metaphor and was intended to urge APC supporters to defeat the Accord Party through their votes.

In a statement titled “Kill Osun Accord with Votes, Not Violence, Senator Fadahunsi Tells APC,” his media office said the comment was meant to encourage supporters to reject Accord at the ballot box through lawful and peaceful democratic means.

The senator also urged political actors and voters to maintain peace and called on security agencies to ensure that eligible voters could exercise their rights without intimidation.

According to his media office, Fadahunsi has never advocated violence or physical attacks against members of Accord or any other political party.

The controversy comes just days before the August 15 Osun governorship election, in which incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking another term on the Accord platform, while the APC is fielding Bola Oyebamiji.

The dispute has heightened concerns over political rhetoric and the possibility of violence during the election period.

Governor Adeleke’s campaign camp has demanded action against Fadahunsi, describing the reported remarks as a threat to the lives of Accord supporters and to the peaceful conduct of the election.

The controversy has also renewed calls on political leaders and their supporters to avoid inflammatory statements capable of escalating tensions ahead of polling day.

With the election approaching, attention is now focused on whether the senator’s explanation will end the controversy and whether security authorities will investigate the circumstances surrounding the viral video.