Adeleke Seeks Sen Fadahunsi’s Arrest Over Video Calling For Killing Of Accord Members

…I didn’t call for physical violence, says senator

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, over a viral video in which he called for the killing of Accord Party members and their family members ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

Adeleke made the demand yesterday during a press briefing in Osogbo, where he raised fresh concerns over alleged security operations against Accord Party leaders ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The governor alleged that a police signal had been issued directing the immediate arrest of Accord Party leaders in Osun State, with instructions that those arrested be taken to Abuja and not released until Monday.

However, following the backlash over his utterances, Fadahunsi yesterday clarified his controversial “Kill Accord” comment, saying the remark was a political metaphor urging All Progressives Congress supporters to defeat the Accord Party at the ballot box.

In a statement issued by his media office in Osogbo yesterday and titled, “Kill Osun Accord with Votes, Not Violence, Senator Fadahunsi Tells APC,” the senator said his remarks were not a call for physical violence.

The statement said Fadahunsi’s comment was “a call on supporters to overwhelmingly reject the Accord Party at the ballot box through lawful, peaceful and democratic means during the August 15 governorship election.”

The senator, while addressing his supporters in Ilesa ahead of the election, made the controversial “kill accord members” comment.

But Governor Adeleke said the Senator’s comment had gone beyond partisan politics and should now be treated as a national security concern.

Adeleke said he had raised the matter with the Inspector General of Police and demanded Fadahunsi’s immediate investigation and arrest, adding that the IGP had confirmed the existence of the video and assured him of immediate action.

“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,” the governor said.

He further called on the police and the Department of State Services to immediately arrest Senator Fadahunsi over what he described as an alleged incitement to genocide against the people of Ijesaland and Osun State.

The governor said he has also spoken to the Inspector General of Police about a reported directive to arrest Accord Party leaders.

“I am appealing to him that this development, if true, is illegal and presents Nigeria as a lawless country. Arresting Accord Party leaders on the eve of an election amounts to the police helping and assisting the APC to rig the election,” Adeleke said.

The governor also alleged that more than 62 leaders of his party, Accord remained in police detention without charges, describing the situation as incompatible with democratic practice.

Adeleke also demanded an end to “illegal operations” of the Intelligence Response Team, alleging that its operatives had been arresting Accord Party leaders across local government areas without justification.

He urged the Inspector General of Police and other security agencies to uphold due process and ensure fair policing before, during and after Saturday’s governorship election.

“We demand that the IGP enforce due process and fair policing by aborting all anti-people plots against democracy in Osun State,” Adeleke said.

“We finally request that the police and other security agencies should act in line with the rule of law and their oath of office before, during and after these coming elections.”

The governor’s briefing comes four days before the August 15 Osun governorship election, amid heightened political tensions over security and alleged plans of rigging.