Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, has clarified his controversial “Kill Accord” remark, insisting that the statement was a metaphorical call for voters to defeat the Accord Party at the August 15 governorship election.
Fadahunsi’s clarification followed the circulation of a video on social media in which he was heard speaking in Yoruba and allegedly urging supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to attack members of the Accord Party in Ilesa.
In the video, the senator was also seen challenging those present to record his remarks and circulate them on social media.
However, in a statement issued by his media office in Osogbo on Tuesday and titled “Kill Osun Accord with Votes, Not Violence, Senator Fadahunsi Tells APC,” the lawmaker said his comments were not intended to promote violence.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Senator’s statement was purely political and metaphorical,” the statement said.
According to the statement, Fadahunsi was urging APC supporters to use their votes to reject the Accord Party and secure victory for the APC candidate through lawful and democratic means.
It stressed that the senator had never advocated violence, intimidation or physical attacks against members or supporters of the Accord Party or any other political organisation.
“At no point did Senator Fadahunsi advocate violence, intimidation or any form of physical attack against members or supporters of the Accord Party or any other political party,” the statement said.
The lawmaker also called on APC supporters, political actors and voters to maintain peace and order before, during and after Saturday’s election.
He further urged security agencies to remain professional and ensure that eligible voters were allowed to exercise their constitutional rights without fear or intimidation.
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“His consistent position has always been that elections should be decided by the votes of the people and not by force,” the statement added.
Fadahunsi said he remained committed to democratic values, issue-based campaigns and a credible electoral process, insisting that the will of voters should prevail at the ballot box.
The statement also appealed to the public not to deliberately distort his remarks, maintaining that the comment was intended to encourage electoral victory through voting rather than violence.
Meanwhile, the campaign council of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to investigate Fadahunsi’s comment and take appropriate action over the alleged remarks against members of the Accord Party.
The controversy comes ahead of the August 15 Osun governorship election, which has witnessed heightened political activities and exchanges among the major parties and their supporters.
