The 2026 Osun governorship election has taken a dramatic turn after a viral video appeared to show Senator Francis Fadahunsi telling supporters to “kill” members of the Accord Party ahead of Saturday’s poll.
Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, reportedly made the controversial remark while addressing supporters in Ilesa as the All Progressives Congress (APC) intensifies its campaign ahead of the August 15 election.
The statement has triggered outrage among political opponents, with the Ademola Adeleke campaign council reportedly demanding the senator’s arrest and prosecution over what it described as an incitement to violence.
‘Kill Accord members’
In the video circulating online, Fadahunsi was heard speaking in Yoruba and using the word “kill” while referring to members of the Accord Party.
The comment has sparked concerns about the safety of political supporters and voters, particularly as the election enters its final days.
The controversy comes against the backdrop of heightened political activity in Osun, with the major parties making last-minute efforts to mobilise supporters across the state.
Senator Fadahunsi explains controversial statement
But Fadahunsi has pushed back against the interpretation of his remarks.
In a subsequent clarification issued through his media office, the senator reportedly said he was not asking anyone to physically attack or kill Accord Party members.
Rather, he said his statement was intended to mean “kill Accord with votes” — defeating the party through the ballot box.
His clarification has, however, done little to end the controversy, with opposition figures maintaining that the original statement was dangerous and inappropriate, particularly coming so close to election day.
Osun on edge ahead of Saturday’s poll
The development has added another layer of tension to an already fiercely contested election.
With voters expected to go to the polls on August 15, attention is now turning to the conduct of politicians and their supporters, amid renewed calls for peaceful campaigns and a violence-free election.
The controversy also comes as political actors continue to trade accusations over statements and incidents capable of escalating tensions ahead of the poll.
For Fadahunsi, however, the message from his camp is clear: he says “kill Accord” was a political expression for defeating the party at the polls — not a call for bloodshed.
