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Adeleke demands arrest, prosecution of Fadahunsi
Tensions have heightened ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State following a viral video in which Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, was alleged to have incited the killing of Accord Party members and their families.
The senator, who spoke at a rally in Ilesa, alleged that members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had been killed.
He subsequently made remarks which critics interpreted as encouraging violence against Accord Party members, stating: “we have come to tell you that till the election day, if you see they it is killing.”
Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo, Governor Ademola Adeleke called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Senator Fadahunsi over the alleged incitement of violence against Accord Party members.
Governor Adeleke also raised fresh concerns regarding alleged security crackdowns targeting Accord Party leaders ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The governor alleged that an internal police signal had been issued directing the immediate arrest of key Accord Party figures across Osun State, with instructions that those detained be transported to Abuja and held until Monday.
According to him, carrying out such an operation would amount to using state security apparatus to subvert the electoral process.
“I have spoken to the Inspector-General of Police about the reported directive to arrest Accord Party leaders. But 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 stated.
He further claimed that more than 62 leaders of his party remained in police detention without formal charges, describing the situation as incompatible with democratic norms.
Addressing the viral video involving Senator Fadahunsi, Adeleke maintained that the issue had transcended partisan politics and now constituted a grave national security threat.
“The second issue has to do with the viral video of a serving Senator, Francis Fadahunsi, who today called for the killing of Accord Party leaders, supporters, and their families. In the video, the Senator even threatened that where they cannot get Accord Party leaders, they should kill their wives and children,” he said.
Adeleke noted that he had escalated the matter directly to the Inspector-General of Police, who reportedly confirmed awareness of the video and assured him that immediate action would be taken.
“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 emphasised.
He urged the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to act swiftly by arresting Senator Fadahunsi over what he characterised as incitement to violence against the people of Ijesaland and the entire state.
Governor Adeleke also demanded an end to the alleged “illegal operations” of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), accusing its operatives of arbitrarily arresting Accord Party leaders across various local government areas.
The governor charged security agencies to uphold due process, maintain political neutrality and guarantee a level playing field before, during and after Saturday’s election.
“We demand that the IGP enforce due process and fair policing by aborting all anti-people plots against democracy in Osun State.
“We finally request that the police and other security agencies act in line with the rule of law and their oath of office before, during, and after these coming elections,” Adeleke said.
The governor’s briefing came days ahead of the August 15 governorship election amid heightened political tension over security concerns and allegations of electoral interference.
