Governor Adeleke Demands Arrest Over Incitement to Violence!

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, following a viral video in which the senator reportedly called for the killing of Accord Party members and their family members. Governor Adeleke made this demand during a press briefing in Osogbo, just four days before the August 15 governorship election in the state. He expressed fresh concerns over alleged security operations targeting Accord Party leaders, claiming that a police signal had been issued to arrest them and detain them in Abuja until after the election.

Senator Fadahunsi, however, clarified his controversial "Kill Accord" remark, stating it was a political metaphor urging All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters to defeat the Accord Party through legitimate electoral means. In a statement from his media office, titled “Kill Osun Accord with Votes, Not Violence, Senator Fadahunsi Tells APC,” he asserted that his comments were not a call for physical violence but rather an encouragement for supporters to overwhelmingly reject the Accord Party at the ballot box through lawful, peaceful, and democratic participation in the August 15 governorship election.

Despite the clarification, Governor Adeleke maintained that Senator Fadahunsi’s comment transcended partisan politics and constituted a national security concern. He confirmed raising the matter with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), who reportedly acknowledged the video's existence and assured prompt action. Adeleke further urged the police and the Department of State Services to arrest Fadahunsi for alleged incitement to genocide against the people of Ijesaland and Osun State. He emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, "This is now beyond politics. This is now a national security threat that requires the attention of Mr President through the Office of the National Security Adviser."

In addition to the call for Fadahunsi's arrest, Governor Adeleke voiced concerns regarding the alleged directive to arrest Accord Party leaders. He appealed to the IGP, labeling such a development, if true, as illegal and detrimental to Nigeria's democratic image. He asserted that arresting Accord Party leaders on the eve of an election would amount to the police assisting the APC in rigging the election. Adeleke also highlighted that more than 62 leaders of his party, Accord, remained in police detention without charges, which he deemed incompatible with democratic practice.

The governor further demanded an end to the "illegal operations" of the Intelligence Response Team, alleging that its operatives were arbitrarily arresting Accord Party leaders across local government areas. He urged the Inspector General of Police and other security agencies to uphold due process and ensure fair policing throughout the electoral process. Adeleke's statement concluded with a strong plea for the IGP to abort all "anti-people plots against democracy in Osun State" and for security agencies to act in accordance with the rule of law and their oath of office before, during, and after the upcoming elections, amidst heightened political tensions and allegations of rigging.