Widespread calls have been directed at the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu (also referred to in some reports as Olatunji Disu), to immediately investigate and arrest Senator Francis Fadahunsi, the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker representing Osun East Senatorial District, over a viral video containing alleged threats against members of the Accord Party ahead of the Saturday, August 15, 2026, governorship election in Osun State.
In the video circulating on social media, Fadahunsi is heard speaking in Yoruba during a protest at the palace of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland in Ilesa. The protest followed alleged killings of APC members. According to reports and translations of the footage, the senator stated that any Accord Party member sighted in Ilesa before the election would be killed.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate seeking re-election, further alleged that the remarks extended to threats against the wives and children of Accord leaders if the leaders themselves could not be reached.
Governor Adeleke raised the matter during an emergency press briefing in Osogbo. He described the comments as going “beyond politics” and constituting “a national security threat that requires the attention of Mr President through the Office of the National Security Adviser.”
Adeleke stated that he had contacted the IGP, who confirmed awareness of the video and assured him of immediate action. The governor demanded the senator’s investigation, arrest, and prosecution, and also called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to act.
Public figures joined the calls. APC chieftain Babafemi Ojudu described the alleged remarks as unacceptable even by the standards of past military rule and publicly urged IGP Disu to take action. Other Nigerians and political stakeholders echoed demands for swift intervention to prevent escalation of tensions ahead of the poll.
The Osun State Police Command has summoned Senator Fadahunsi. Command spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi confirmed that the Commissioner of Police in charge of the election, Samuel Etaifo, had summoned the lawmaker and indicated that a formal statement would follow.
Senator Fadahunsi has denied the allegations of direct threats. In responses, including an interview with TVC News and a personal statement, he claimed the circulating video was either artificially generated or deliberately edited and misrepresented from a longer speech of about 24 minutes.
He stated that his remarks referred to previous killings (including one involving an individual named Rogba) and asserted a right of self-defence and retaliation if APC members continued to be killed, rather than an open call to target Accord supporters or their families. He accused opponents, including references to Davido and campaign figures, of manipulating short clips for political gain.
The development occurs against a backdrop of heightened political tension in Osun State, marked by mutual accusations of violence, arrests of party members, and concerns over the neutrality of security agencies in the lead-up to the governorship election.
Stakeholders continue to urge security agencies to uphold the rule of law, ensure impartiality, and protect all citizens so that voters can exercise their franchise peacefully.