By Our Correspondent | National News
Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, has clarified his controversial “Kill Accord” remark, saying he was referring to defeating the Accord Party through votes and not promoting violence.
Fadahunsi came under public scrutiny after a video circulated on social media showing him speaking in Yoruba while addressing supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ilesa ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
In the video, the senator was heard making comments interpreted by some as a call for APC supporters to confront members of the Accord Party.
The controversy intensified after Fadahunsi reportedly challenged those present to record his remarks and share them on social media.
However, in a statement issued by his media office in Osogbo on Tuesday, titled “Kill Osun Accord with Votes, Not Violence, Senator Fadahunsi Tells APC,” the senator explained that his statement was political and metaphorical.
According to the statement, Fadahunsi was urging APC supporters to overwhelmingly reject the Accord Party at the ballot box through lawful, peaceful and democratic means.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Senator’s statement was purely political and metaphorical,” the statement said.
The senator’s media office maintained that Fadahunsi was not advocating violence, intimidation or physical attacks against members or supporters of the Accord Party or any other political organisation.
It stressed that his position has consistently been that electoral contests should be determined by the votes of the people rather than force or intimidation.
“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.
“His consistent position has always been that elections should be decided by the votes of the people and not by force,” the statement added.
Fadahunsi also appealed to political parties, candidates, supporters and the electorate to maintain peace and comply with the law before, during and after the governorship election.
He further called on security agencies to remain professional and ensure that eligible voters are able to exercise their constitutional rights without fear, intimidation or obstruction.
The senator reaffirmed his commitment to democratic values, issue-based campaigns and a credible electoral process, insisting that the will of the people, freely expressed through the ballot, must prevail.
The statement urged members of the public not to deliberately misinterpret or distort Fadahunsi’s remarks, maintaining that his comments were intended to encourage electoral victory through the power of the ballot rather than violence.
The clarification comes amid heightened political activity and concerns over security ahead of the August 15 Osun governorship election.
