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Imole Campaign Council accuses Senator Francis Fadahunsi of attempting to intimidate voters after a viral video allegedly showed him urging supporters to “monitor their ballot.”
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Campaign spokesman Pelumi Olajengbesi calls on security agencies to investigate the senator’s conduct and take immediate action if electoral laws were breached.
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Council says the incident revives concerns over Fadahunsi’s earlier controversial “kill Accord” remarks, for which he was questioned by police.
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Fresh allegations emerge as Osun voters participate in the closely watched governorship election amid heightened security and political tension.
August 15, (THEWILL) — The Imole Campaign Council of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has called on security agencies to take immediate action against Senator Francis Fadahunsi over alleged voter intimidation during Saturday’s governorship election, following the emergence of a viral video purportedly showing the lawmaker addressing supporters at his polling unit.
The campaign organisation alleged that the senator’s remarks amounted to an attempt to influence voters and interfere with the integrity of the electoral process.
According to the council, Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, was seen in the video speaking to supporters at Polling Unit 1, NUD Primary School Collation Centre, Ilase-Ijesa, where he allegedly instructed them to “monitor their ballot” before adding, “Whoever does not vote appropriately…” and proceeding with further instructions.
The development immediately sparked criticism from the Adeleke campaign, which maintained that no political actor should issue directives capable of intimidating voters or influencing how they exercise their constitutional rights.
Campaign Demands Immediate Security Intervention
Reacting to the video, the spokesman for the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, described the senator’s alleged conduct as “scandalous, unacceptable and undemocratic.”
He urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other security agencies to immediately investigate the incident and take appropriate action if the allegations were established.
“This is scandalous, unacceptable and undemocratic. The security agencies must immediately stop the voter intimidation by Fadahunsi and his foot soldiers”, Olajengbesi said.
He argued that the sanctity of the ballot depends on voters being able to cast their votes freely, without fear, coercion or interference from political leaders or their supporters.
The campaign further urged the relevant authorities to examine the viral footage and ensure that anyone found culpable of violating electoral laws is held accountable.
The council noted that the latest controversy comes only days after Fadahunsi faced widespread criticism over another viral video in which he allegedly urged supporters to “kill” members of the Accord Party ahead of the governorship election.
Although the senator later denied advocating violence, insisting that his remarks had been mistranslated from Yoruba and that he merely urged APC supporters to “kill Accord with their votes”, the comments generated public outrage and led to his invitation and questioning by the Nigeria Police Force.
Olajengbesi said the latest incident suggested that the senator had failed to heed the lessons from the earlier controversy.
“One would have thought that he had learnt his lessons with his last despicable outing, but alas! A leopard never changes its spots”, he said.
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Election Held Under Tight Security
Saturday’s governorship election is taking place under heavy security deployment across Osun State, with thousands of police officers, military personnel and other security operatives deployed to maintain law and order.
The poll, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most significant off-cycle elections ahead of the 2027 general elections, has attracted intense national attention amid repeated appeals by political parties, civil society organisations and election observers for peaceful conduct and respect for democratic principles.
As of the time of filing this report, Senator Fadahunsi had not publicly responded to the latest allegations, while the Nigeria Police Force had yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
The fresh dispute adds to the political tension surrounding the governorship election, as voters across the state continue to decide who will govern Osun for the next four years.
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.
