Nigerians and political stakeholders have urged Inspector-General of Police Olatunji (Tunji) Disu to immediately arrest and prosecute Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, over a viral video in which he allegedly threatened members of the Accord Party ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State.
A video circulating widely on social media purportedly shows the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker addressing party supporters in Ilesa.
The gathering was reportedly organised to protest alleged attacks on APC members. In the clip, Fadahunsi, speaking in Yoruba, is heard telling supporters that if they see any Accord Party members in Ilesa between then and election day, “we will kill them.”
He also referenced alleged killings of APC supporters and urged that the remarks be recorded and shared.
The comments, which some interpreted as an open incitement to violence (including references to targeting family members in certain accounts of the video), drew sharp condemnation.
Governor Ademola Adeleke’s Imole Campaign Council described the remarks as “despicable” and demanded the senator’s immediate arrest and prosecution by the IGP and the Department of State Services, arguing that a serving National Assembly member who swore to uphold the Constitution should not make such statements.
Governor Adeleke himself called the video a national security threat beyond ordinary politics, said he had raised the matter with the IGP (who reportedly confirmed awareness of the footage and promised prompt action), and urged investigation and possible prosecution.
Civil society groups also condemned the remarks as a call to violence that risks heightening tensions days before the August 15 poll.
Senator Fadahunsi later clarified through his media office that the statement was purely political and metaphorical. He said he meant that APC supporters should “kill” the Accord Party at the ballot box with votes through lawful, peaceful, and democratic means, and insisted he never advocated physical violence, intimidation, or attacks.
He further claimed the short viral clip was taken out of context from a longer speech and was misrepresented for political purposes, adding that his message concerned retaliation only if alleged killings of APC members did not stop.
In response to the controversy, the Osun State Police Command summoned Fadahunsi to appear at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo to clarify the circumstances surrounding the remarks, which police described as potentially threatening, inciting, and intimidating.
The episode has intensified political tensions in Osun State just days before the governorship election.
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