Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, has said his viral remark appearing to call for the killing of Accord Party members was a metaphor for defeating the party at the ballot box ahead of the August 15, 2026, governorship election.
Fadahunsi Explains Viral Remark
Fadahunsi’s clarification followed a widely circulated video recorded while he addressed All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters in Ilesa, Osun State.
The senator spoke in Yoruba, with translations shared online quoting him as saying, “From now on, whenever you see Accord members, kill them,” and referring to the period leading up to election day.
The remarks triggered widespread condemnation, with critics accusing the senator of inciting violence against supporters of Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is contesting the election on the Accord Party platform.
‘Kill Them With Votes’
Fadahunsi’s media office later issued a statement titled “Kill Osun Accord with Votes, Not Violence,” saying the senator’s words were political and metaphorical.
The statement said the remark was a call for supporters to reject the Accord Party through their votes during the election.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Senator’s statement was purely political and metaphorical,” the statement said, adding that Fadahunsi did not advocate violence, intimidation or physical attacks against members of any political party.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Fadahunsi also said he meant “kill them by votes” and not physical violence.
He argued that the viral clip represented only a short section of a longer speech lasting about 24 to 30 minutes. He further claimed that the circulated footage had been edited and suggested that some elements shared online may have been AI-generated.
Police Summon Senator
The clarification came as the Osun State Police Command summoned Fadahunsi to appear before the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo.
The police said the senator was expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the remarks, which were considered potentially threatening, inciting and intimidating.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has also condemned the comments and called for action against the senator, describing the remarks as a threat to security ahead of the election.
Tensions Rise Ahead of Osun Election
The controversy has added to growing political tension in Osun State less than three days before voters are scheduled to choose their next governor.
Fadahunsi has urged political actors and their supporters to maintain peace and allow voters to freely exercise their rights during the August 15 poll.
The development has kept the Senator Francis Fadahunsi viral video, Osun governorship election 2026, Accord Party and APC Osun campaign at the centre of public discussion ahead of the election.
