Police Reveal Why Senator Fadahunsi Was Invited Over ‘Kill Accord Party Member’ Comment

The Osun State Police Command has explained why Senator Francis Fadahunsi was invited for questioning after a controversial comment attributed to him ahead of the Saturday governorship election.

The Commissioner of Police overseeing security for the 2026 Osun governorship election, Samuel Etaifo, said the invitation was linked to remarks allegedly made by Fadahunsi concerning members of the Accord Party.

Etaifo made the clarification in a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, and issued in Osogbo on Wednesday.

According to the police, politicians and public officials have a responsibility to avoid comments that could threaten public peace or encourage violence.

“At this critical period of the electoral process, political leaders and public office holders are expected to exercise restraint, promote peace, and refrain from making comments capable of heightening tension or undermining public confidence in the electoral and security arrangements put in place for the forthcoming election.”

Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, had reportedly spoken during an event in Ilesa.

A video of the senator speaking in Yoruba later circulated on social media.

In the video, Fadahunsi was heard making a statement that was interpreted as a threat against members of the Accord Party who might be seen in Ilesa before the election.

The comment attracted criticism from political actors and renewed concerns about the safety of opposition supporters in the state.

The police subsequently invited the senator to explain the circumstances surrounding the statement.

“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has invited Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi to provide clarification on the statement and to foster mutual understanding in the interest of peace and security,” Etaifo said.

The command stressed that the invitation was not intended to intimidate the lawmaker.

Instead, the police described it as a preventive step designed to stop the situation from escalating.

Etaifo said the police would continue to maintain neutrality throughout the electoral process and would not allow individuals or groups to use inflammatory statements to create fear among residents.

He also reaffirmed the commitment of the security agencies to protecting voters, political parties, electoral officials and other stakeholders before, during and after the election.

The Commissioner warned that any conduct capable of disrupting public order would be taken seriously.

“Reaffirming the commitment of the Force to neutrality, professionalism and the protection of democratic values, Etaifo emphasised that the police would not tolerate any act, utterance or conduct capable of inciting violence, disrupting public peace or threatening the security of the state.”

The election is scheduled for August 15, with Governor Ademola Adeleke seeking another term on the platform of the Accord Party.

The All Progressives Congress is fielding Bola Oyebamiji, while other political parties are also campaigning across the state.

Political activities have already been affected by allegations of attacks, arrests and intimidation involving supporters of rival parties.

In June, Accord raised concerns after an attack on its Osogbo Local Government chairman, Asimiyu Ajibola. The party called for a thorough investigation and urged security agencies to prevent further violence.

There have also been reports of clashes and attacks involving supporters of the APC and Accord Party in different parts of the state.

In July, the arrest of Accord Party candidate for Ijesa South Federal Constituency, Popoola Alaba, generated another political dispute.

The Imole Campaign Council alleged that Alaba and other Accord members were arrested for political reasons.

The police rejected the allegation and said the arrest followed a petition concerning alleged illegal mining and other offences.

The command said the matter was being investigated and maintained that the arrest was not politically motivated.

The police have now urged politicians and their supporters to avoid statements that could provoke their opponents or create unnecessary tension among residents.

Etaifo also called on political parties to pursue their grievances through legal channels rather than confrontation.

“The command remains committed to maintaining law and order before, during, and after the election and urges all stakeholders to place the peace and stability of Osun State above partisan interests,” the statement read partly.

The police said its priority remains the protection of lives and property and the creation of an environment where voters can participate freely in the election.

The command further appealed to residents not to circulate unverified information capable of worsening the political atmosphere.

It also urged supporters of the various candidates to remain calm and respect the rights of other citizens, regardless of their political affiliation.