Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, has come under criticism following a video allegedly showing him urging supporters to attack members of the Accord Party ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election in Osun State.

The video, which circulated on social media on Tuesday, was also shared by Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido.

The development has sparked concerns over political violence and voter intimidation ahead of Saturday’s election.

Fadahunsi allegedly makes controversial remark

In the video, Fadahunsi was heard speaking in Yoruba while addressing supporters in Ilesa.

He reportedly referred to the yellow cap associated with the Accord Party before making a statement that was translated as a call to attack members of the party if they were seen in the area before election day.

The remarks have generated widespread backlash, particularly because they came amid heightened political tension in Osun State and growing concerns about the safety of political parties, their supporters and voters.

Senator faces backlash over alleged threat

The controversy has intensified calls for political actors and their supporters to avoid statements capable of escalating tensions ahead of the governorship poll.

Fadahunsi’s alleged remarks have also attracted attention because they were made only days before voters are scheduled to elect a governor, with rival political camps already trading accusations over intimidation and violence.

The senator has since rejected the interpretation that he was calling for physical violence against Accord members.

Fadahunsi says comment was metaphorical

In a statement issued by his media office in Osogbo on Tuesday and titled, “Kill Osun Accord with Votes, Not Violence, Senator Fadahunsi Tells APC,” the senator said his comment was intended as a political metaphor.

According to the statement, Fadahunsi was calling on APC supporters to defeat the Accord Party through their votes during the August 15 election.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Senator’s statement was purely political and metaphorical,” the statement said.

His media office maintained that the senator did not advocate violence, intimidation or physical attacks against members or supporters of the Accord Party or any other political organisation.

Senator calls for peaceful election

Fadahunsi also urged political actors, party supporters and voters to conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the election.

The senator called on security agencies to remain professional and ensure that eligible voters are able to exercise their constitutional rights without fear or intimidation.

His media office further said Fadahunsi remained committed to democratic values, issue-based campaigns and a credible electoral process.

The statement appealed to members of the public not to misinterpret or deliberately distort the senator’s comments, insisting that they were intended to encourage electoral victory through the ballot and not violence.