By Ado Oyeyemi
The Osun State Police Command has summoned the senator representing Osun East Senatorial District, Francis Fadahunsi, for questioning over a controversial remark in which he allegedly urged supporters of the All Progressives Congress to “kill” members of the Accord Party.
The invitation followed widespread condemnation of a video of the senator’s comment during an APC campaign programme in Ilesa on Tuesday.
In the video circulated on social media, Fadahunsi, speaking in Yoruba, was heard directing APC supporters to attack members of the rival party whenever they encountered them.
The development prompted the police to invite the senator to explain the circumstances surrounding the statement.
In a letter dated August 11 and signed by the Commissioner of Police in charge of elections in Osun State, Samuel Etaifo Erale, Fadahunsi was directed to appear before the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo at 11am on Wednesday.
The police said the invitation was based on information that the senator had made statements considered threatening, inciting and intimidating, adding that the remarks had been circulated across various electronic and social media platforms.
However, following the backlash, Fadahunsi sought to clarify his comment, insisting that he was not calling for violence against members of the Accord Party.
His media team explained that the statement was intended as a political metaphor, urging voters to defeat the Accord Party through the ballot rather than through violence.
The team, in a statement titled, “Kill Osun Accord with Votes, Not Violence,” said the senator’s remarks were a call for supporters to reject the party through lawful and democratic means at the August 15 governorship election.
The controversy comes amid heightened political tension in the state ahead of the election.
The incumbent governor and Accord candidate, Ademola Adeleke, has on several occasions accused members of the APC of using thugs to attack his supporters, allegations that have further heightened concerns over possible violence during the poll.
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The police invitation is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding Fadahunsi’s controversial remarks and whether they amount to an offence under relevant electoral and criminal laws.
