Senator Fadahunsi Summoned by Police Over ‘Kill Accord’ Remarks as Obi Demands Apology
Senator Francis Fadahunsi has been summoned by Osun State Police over controversial "kill Accord" comments made at an APC rally, sparking widespread criticism and a demand for apology from Peter Obi. Fadahunsi denies advocating violence, claiming his remarks were a political metaphor and a response to attacks on his party members, as police continue their investigation amidst rising pre-election tensions.
Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, has been summoned by the Osun State Police Command over controversial remarks made at an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Ilesa ahead of the August 15 governorship election. The invitation, signed by Samuel Erale, the Commissioner of Police overseeing the election, directed Fadahunsi to appear before the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo to clarify comments described as “threatening, inciting and intimidating.”
A video circulating online appeared to show the senator urging APC supporters to “kill” members of the Accord Party, triggering widespread condemnation amid heightened political tensions in the state.
Fadahunsi has denied calling for physical violence, explaining that the statement was a political expression intended to encourage supporters to defeat the Accord Party at the polls rather than literally attack its members. He also alleged that the viral footage was edited and said his remarks came in response to reported attacks on APC supporters in Ilesa, including claims that party members had been killed.
The police, however, said his status as a serving senator does not prevent him from being questioned, with spokesperson DSP Abiodun Ojelabi stating that the command would determine its next steps after receiving his explanation.
The controversy has drawn condemnation from Governor Ademola Adeleke, who called for the senator to be investigated and arrested, arguing that the matter goes beyond partisan politics and requires urgent security intervention. Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), also demanded that Fadahunsi retract his remarks and apologise to the people of Osun State, warning that inflammatory statements could endanger voters and undermine the electoral process.
The dispute comes against a backdrop of reported pre-election violence, including a shooting in Ilesa that reportedly left three people dead, intensifying calls for political leaders and security agencies to promote restraint and protect all participants ahead of the poll.