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Senator Francis Fadahunsi’s viral “Kill Accord” comment has ignited fresh political tension ahead of Saturday’s Osun governorship election, prompting widespread condemnation over fears of escalating violence.
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The Osun East lawmaker insists his remarks were purely metaphorical, saying he urged APC supporters to “kill Accord with votes, not violence,” while maintaining he never advocated attacks on political opponents.
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Governor Ademola Adeleke has rejected the clarification, demanding Fadahunsi’s arrest and alleging a fresh police plot to detain key Accord Party leaders until after the election, claims that have further heightened political anxiety.
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The controversy comes as security agencies intensify warnings against hate speech, political intimidation and election violence, with stakeholders insisting the August 15 governorship poll must be decided by ballots—not bloodshed.
August 12, (THEWILL) — Political tension in Osun State deepened on Tuesday after Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, sought to explain his controversial “Kill Accord” remark, insisting he was referring to defeating the Accord Party at the ballot box rather than encouraging violence against its members.
The clarification followed widespread outrage over a viral video showing the senator addressing supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ilesa ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, where he appeared to urge party faithful to “kill” members of the Accord Party whenever they encountered them.
The remark immediately triggered condemnation across political circles and social media, with many warning that such language could inflame an already tense political atmosphere just days before the August 15 governorship election.
In the widely circulated footage, Fadahunsi was heard speaking in Yoruba while accusing members of the Accord Party of attacking APC supporters in parts of Osun State.
The senator was also seen challenging those at the gathering to record his comments and circulate them on social media.
The video rapidly gained traction online, attracting sharp criticism from political observers, civil society organisations and members of the public who argued that statements capable of being interpreted as calls for violence were dangerous, particularly at a time when political tension in the state remains high.
The controversy comes amid repeated appeals by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Police Service Commission (PSC), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and election observers urging political actors to conduct peaceful campaigns and avoid statements capable of inciting violence before, during and after the poll.
Fadahunsi Says ‘Kill’ Meant Defeat at the Ballot Box
Responding through a statement issued by his media office in Osogbo and titled “Kill Osun Accord with Votes, Not Violence, Senator Fadahunsi Tells APC,” the senator denied calling for attacks on Accord Party members.
According to the statement, his remarks were purely symbolic and intended to mobilise APC supporters to overwhelmingly reject the Accord Party through lawful, peaceful and democratic means.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Senator’s statement was purely political and metaphorical”, the statement read.
The media office maintained that Fadahunsi never advocated violence, intimidation or physical attacks against members or supporters of any political party. It stressed that the senator’s long-standing position is that elections should always be decided through the ballot box rather than force.
The statement further appealed to political parties, candidates and supporters to conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after Saturday’s election.
Fadahunsi also urged security agencies to remain professional, impartial and vigilant in protecting voters while ensuring every eligible citizen could exercise his or her constitutional right without fear or intimidation.
“We, therefore, appeal to members of the public not to misinterpret or deliberately distort the Senator’s comments, as they were clearly intended to encourage electoral victory through the power of the ballot and not through violence”, he said.
Adeleke Rejects Explanation, Demands Senator’s Arrest
Governor Ademola Adeleke, however, dismissed the senator’s explanation and called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, to immediately arrest and investigate Fadahunsi over the viral video.
Addressing journalists at the Government House, Oke-Fia, Osogbo, the governor described the alleged remarks as a grave national security concern that should not be ignored.
According to Adeleke, the issue had gone beyond ordinary political disagreement and should attract the attention of the Presidency through the Office of the National Security Adviser.
“The second issue has to do with the viral video of a serving Senator, Francis Fadahunsi, who today called for the killing of Accord Party leaders, supporters and their families. 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”, Adeleke said.
The governor said he had already reported the matter to the Inspector-General of Police and claimed he had been assured that appropriate action would be taken.
Adeleke also raised fresh allegations that the police had concluded plans to arrest prominent leaders and stakeholders of the Accord Party ahead of Saturday’s election.
He claimed credible intelligence available to his administration indicated that targeted party leaders would be moved to Abuja and detained until after the election.
The governor argued that such an operation, if carried out, would amount to using the police to influence the outcome of the governorship election.
“I have spoken to the Inspector-General of Police about the reported directive to arrest Accord Party leaders. If true, such action is illegal and amounts to assisting one political party against another”, Adeleke added.
He further alleged that more than 62 Accord Party leaders remained in detention without formal charges and called for an immediate halt to what he described as illegal operations by police operatives in the state.
Election Tension Deepens Ahead of August 15 Poll
Saturday’s governorship election is regarded as one of Nigeria’s most closely watched off-cycle elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party is seeking a second term against the APC candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Dr Najeem Salam, and 11 other candidates.
In recent weeks, political campaigns have been overshadowed by allegations of intimidation, inflammatory rhetoric, misuse of security agencies and concerns over election-related violence.
Security agencies have repeatedly assured residents that adequate arrangements have been made to guarantee a peaceful, free and credible election, warning that anyone involved in political violence, hate speech, ballot snatching, vote-buying or voter intimidation would face prosecution.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
