The Osun State Police Command has invited Senator Francis Fadahunsi to explain comments allegedly contained in a viral video in which he appeared to call for attacks against members of the opposition ahead of the state’s governorship election.
The police described the video as a matter of “serious concern”, particularly because the election is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 15.
According to the police, the video appeared to show Fadahunsi allegedly instructing supporters of the All Progressives Congress to “kill” members of the rival Accord Party if they were encountered during the electoral process in parts of Osun State.
The development generated widespread reactions on social media, prompting the police to summon the senator for clarification.
The Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the police would not support statements capable of inciting violence.
He explained that Fadahunsi had been formally invited and would be expected to clarify what he meant by the statement contained in the video.
A letter dated August 11 directed the senator to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo on Wednesday, August 12.
The invitation stated that the police had information suggesting that the senator made statements considered threatening, intimidating and inciting during an APC campaign programme in Ilesa.
However, Fadahunsi has rejected the interpretation of the video, describing it as a deliberate distortion of what he actually said.
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The senator reportedly explained that he was referring to alleged attacks against APC members in Ilesa and maintained that his party would defend its supporters if violence continued.
The controversy comes only days before the Osun governorship election, increasing concerns about political tension and possible violence during the electoral process.
The police have repeatedly warned politicians and their supporters against inflammatory statements that could encourage violence or disrupt the election.
Security agencies are expected to maintain heightened vigilance before, during and after the poll.
The invitation of a serving senator has also attracted considerable attention because of his political position and the seriousness of the allegations.
The police said the senator’s explanation would help investigators determine the context and meaning of his remarks.
With the election approaching, authorities have urged political parties and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and respect the law.
The police have stressed that political competition should not be allowed to turn into violence, threats or intimidation.
The development has further increased scrutiny of political statements ahead of Saturday’s election, with security agencies expected to respond firmly to any attempt to incite violence.