Osun 2026: Police summon Fadahunsi over alleged inciting remarks

The Nigeria Police Force has invited Senator Francis Fadahunsi (APC, Osun East) to provide clarification over alleged inciting remarks contained in a viral video ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State.

The Commissioner of Police for the election, Mr Samuel Etaifo, issued the invitation following concerns generated by the video, according to a statement by the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on Wednesday in Osogbo.

The police said Fadahunsi was allegedly heard in the video, while addressing members of his party, instructing that members of the Accord Party should not be allowed to vote in Ijesaland.
He was also allegedly heard calling for those identified as Accord Party members to be killed, the police said.

The Commissioner of Police condemned the alleged remarks, saying they had raised concerns among political stakeholders and members of the public.

Etaifo urged political leaders and public office holders to exercise restraint at the critical stage of the electoral process and avoid statements capable of heightening tension.

He said political actors were expected to promote peace and refrain from conduct that could undermine public confidence in the electoral and security arrangements for the election.

The CP reaffirmed the commitment of the police to neutrality, professionalism and the protection of democratic values.

He warned that the police would not tolerate any act, utterance or conduct capable of inciting violence, disrupting public peace or threatening the security of the state.

“Consequently, the CP has invited Sen. Francis Fadahunsi to provide clarification on the statement and to foster mutual understanding in the interest of peace and security,” Ojelabi quoted Etaifo as saying.

The police said the invitation should not be misconstrued as an act of intimidation, describing it instead as part of proactive measures to prevent an escalation of tensions and ensure a peaceful, free, fair and credible election.

Etaifo called on political actors, their supporters and members of the public to remain law-abiding, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and channel grievances through lawful means.

He assured stakeholders that the police remained committed to maintaining law and order before, during and after the election.

The CP also urged all stakeholders to place the peace and stability of Osun State above partisan interests.

The Osun governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, across the state’s 30 local government areas.

The election has been preceded by heightened political activity and tensions among the major parties and their supporters. Security agencies have repeatedly warned political actors against violence, intimidation, inflammatory statements and other conduct capable of disrupting the poll.

The police have also announced measures aimed at securing polling units, collation centres and other critical locations during the election.