Police Should Go Beyond Questioning Fadahunsi

Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, faces police questioning for a controversial statement made at an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally. In a widely circulated video, Fadahunsi, speaking in Yoruba, urged supporters to "kill" members of the Accord Party, stating, "From now on, whenever you see Accord members, kill them. I authorise you to kill them."

Following intense backlash, Fadahunsi issued a statement clarifying his remarks were metaphorical, intended as a call to "overwhelmingly reject" the Accord Party through peaceful and democratic means in the upcoming election. However, critics argue his language was inflammatory, capable of heightening tensions and inciting electoral violence.

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From now on, whenever you see Accord members, kill them. I authorise you to kill them. They have wives and children too. This is a federal government election. On election day, even if they come with voter cards, we won’t allow them to vote. What kind of life is that? If we hear anything about Accord in Ilesa here, record me and go and tell them. Tell them, the cap they are putting on is a bad one, a yellow one. So, we have come to tell you now, from now till the election day, if we see them, kill them.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and other groups have called for the senator's suspension from the National Assembly. Concerns have been raised about the police's delayed action, with accusations that Fadahunsi is being shielded due to his affiliation with the ruling APC. Some suggest that if Nigerian authorities do not prosecute him, the international community, including the United States and Western countries, should impose sanctions like visa denials to deter others from acting above the law.

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his viral comment was a call on his supporters to overwhelmingly reject the Accord Party at the ballot box through lawful, peaceful and democratic means during the August 15 governorship election.