Senator Francis Fadahunsi has clarified his controversial “kill Accord” comment, insisting that he was referring to defeating the Accord Party at the ballot box and not calling for violence against its members.

Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, made the clarification on Tuesday through a statement issued by his media office following public outrage over a viral video of his remarks.

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

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

The clarification came after a video circulated online showing Fadahunsi addressing APC supporters in Ilesa, where he was heard making remarks interpreted by critics as a call for violence against Accord Party members.

The development had sparked condemnation and led to the Osun State Police Command summoning the senator over alleged threatening and inciting comments.

However, Fadahunsi’s media office said the lawmaker had never supported violence or intimidation against any political party or its supporters.

“At no point did Senator Fadahunsi advocate violence, intimidation or any form of physical attack against members or supporters of the Accord Party or any other political party,” the statement added.

The senator urged political actors and voters to maintain peace before, during and after Saturday’s election, while calling on security agencies to ensure citizens can exercise their voting rights freely.

Fadahunsi maintained that elections should be decided through the ballot and not force, insisting that his remarks were intended to encourage political victory through votes.

The controversy comes amid heightened tension ahead of the Osun governorship election, with parties and security agencies repeatedly warning against actions capable of disrupting the poll.