Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Osun State Police Command has said Senator Francis Fadahunsi was invited for questioning over comments attributed to him ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The Police stressed that the move is aimed at preserving peace and preventing electoral violence.
Commissioner of Police for the 2026 Osun governorship election, Samuel Etaifo, said the invitation followed a statement allegedly made by the senator representing Osun East Senatorial District, which the command considered capable of heightening tension in the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, Etaifo said political leaders and public office holders have a responsibility to promote peace and avoid remarks that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
“At this critical period of the electoral process, political leaders and public office holders are expected to exercise restraint, promote peace, and refrain from making comments capable of heightening tension or undermining public confidence in the electoral and security arrangements put in place for the forthcoming election,” the statement said.
The commissioner added that the police remain committed to neutrality, professionalism and the protection of democratic values, warning that any conduct capable of inciting violence or disrupting public order would not be tolerated.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has invited Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi to provide clarification on the statement and to foster mutual understanding in the interest of peace and security,” he said.
Etaifo also clarified that the invitation should not be viewed as intimidation but as a preventive measure intended to ensure a peaceful, free and credible election.
The development followed the circulation of a video on social media in which Fadahunsi, speaking in Yoruba, allegedly threatened members of the Accord Party ahead of the poll.
Sources told journalists that the senator made the remarks at the palace of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland during a protest over the reported killing of three APC members in Ilesa.
The police also drew attention to another viral video in which Francis Eniade, the APC candidate for Ifelodun/Boripe/Odo Otin Federal Constituency in the 2027 elections, allegedly warned non-party members against participating in voting in Odo Otin Local Government Area.
Reacting to the videos, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke called for an investigation into Fadahunsi’s remarks, saying he had raised the matter with Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu.
“The command remains committed to maintaining law and order before, during, and after the election and urges all stakeholders to place the peace and stability of Osun State above partisan interests,” the police statement added.
