Nigeria: Police Invite Osun's APC Senator Over Viral Threat to 'Kill' Accord Party Members

What the report says

Police in Osun State have invited Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East and belongs to the All Progressives Congress (APC), after a video circulated online showing him making remarks that were described by police as threatening, inciting and intimidating. According to Premium Times, the senator made the comments during a rally in Ilesa, where he was addressing supporters ahead of the state’s governorship election scheduled for 15 August. The video drew public concern because he appeared to urge APC supporters to attack members of the Accord Party, a claim that quickly spread on social media.

The police directed Fadahunsi to appear before the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo on Wednesday to explain the circumstances around the statement. The invitation, as reported, said officers wanted clarification on remarks that could be viewed as dangerous in the tense pre-election atmosphere. The incident came after deadly violence in parts of Ilesa, including reports that three people were killed in a shooting in the Imo area a day earlier, adding to fears of further clashes.

Fadahunsi later said on television that his words were metaphorical and meant to encourage voters to defeat the Accord Party at the ballot box, not to attack anyone physically. His office gave a similar explanation, saying he was calling for a peaceful and democratic rejection of the rival party. The episode highlights growing anxiety over political violence in Osun as parties campaign ahead of the election.