sun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has raised concerns over a viral video allegedly showing Senator Francis Fadahunsi calling for the killing of leaders of the Accord Party and their family members.
Adeleke expressed the concern on Tuesday during an emergency press briefing convened to address recent developments in the state’s political landscape ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The governor described the alleged remarks attributed to Fadahunsi as a serious security concern that had gone beyond political rivalry.
According to Adeleke, the allegation should be treated as a national security matter requiring the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the Office of the National Security Adviser.
“This is now beyond politics. This is now a national security threat. I have demanded the immediate investigation and arrest of the senator,” Adeleke said.
He called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the allegation against Fadahunsi.
Adeleke also urged security agencies to stop what he described as unlawful operations against members of the Accord Party and ensure that all actions taken before, during and after the election comply with the rule of law.
The governor further alleged that a police directive had been issued for the immediate arrest of Accord Party leaders in Osun ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
He said credible information available to him indicated that a police signal had been sent to Osun State directing the immediate arrest of Accord leaders, with instructions that they be taken to Abuja and detained until Monday.
“I have spoken with the Inspector-General of Police over the reported directive and urged him to clarify whether such an order had been issued.
“I am appealing to him that this development, if true, is illegal and presents Nigeria as a lawless country,” he said.
Adeleke warned that the reported arrest of Accord leaders on the eve of the election could undermine the electoral process.
He consequently urged the police to publicly clarify the situation and assure Nigerians that no such directive had been issued.
The governor also alleged that more than 62 Accord Party leaders were currently being held in police custody without charges.
“It is disturbing that we still have over 62 Accord leaders held in illegal police detention without any charges against them. This is not democracy,” Adeleke said.
The controversy comes amid heightened political activities and security concerns across Osun State as political parties intensify their campaigns ahead of the governorship election.
Earlier, the Imole Campaign Council, TICC, had called for the arrest and prosecution of Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi over an alleged threat against members and supporters of the Accord Party in Ijeshaland.
The campaign council made the demand in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Chairman, Media and Publicity, Bamidele Salam.
BACKSTORY:
The controversy comes as Osun State prepares for its forthcoming governorship election, with political parties intensifying their campaigns and competing for support across the state.
The build-up to the election has been accompanied by growing concerns over political tension, security and alleged intimidation of opposition figures and supporters. Political actors have continued to call on security agencies to ensure that the election is conducted peacefully and that all parties are allowed to participate without fear.
The latest dispute centres on Senator Francis Fadahunsi and an alleged video in which he was said to have made comments threatening members and supporters of the Accord Party in Ijeshaland. The allegation has drawn condemnation from the Imole Campaign Council, which called for his arrest and prosecution.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has now joined the controversy, demanding an investigation into the alleged remarks and describing them as a potential national security threat. He has also raised separate concerns over the alleged arrest and detention of Accord Party leaders ahead of the poll.
With the election approaching, the allegations have further heightened concerns among political stakeholders about the security situation and the need for security agencies to remain neutral and operate within the law.
