Opposition leader and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has raised the alarm over alleged inflammatory remarks attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi, warning that such rhetoric could dangerously escalate political tension ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
Frank called on the security agencies to urgently investigate the alleged remarks and determine whether they constitute an incitement to violence, insisting that the political status of the senator must not shield him from accountability.
The intervention followed a video circulating online in which Fadahunsi, speaking in Yoruba, was allegedly heard accusing members of the Accord Party of attacking APC supporters and urging people at the gathering to confront Accord Party supporters in Ilesa.
Frank described the development as deeply disturbing, particularly because it involves a serving senator at a time when political tensions are already rising ahead of the Osun election.
He said political leaders should be calming their supporters and strengthening confidence in the electoral process, rather than making statements that could be interpreted as encouragement for confrontation.
Frank therefore demanded that the Senate leadership immediately examine the allegation and consider the suspension of Fadahunsi pending the outcome of an appropriate investigation.
He also called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged remarks and determine whether any criminal offence was committed.
According to Frank, the real danger is not merely what one politician says at a political gathering, but what such statements can trigger when repeated to thousands of supporters in an already polarised electoral environment.
He warned that political rhetoric can become a weapon when it crosses the line from mobilisation to confrontation, particularly in communities with existing political tensions.
Frank also challenged the Federal Government to demonstrate that the law will be applied equally to members of the ruling party and opposition parties.
He questioned what he described as inconsistent reactions to politically sensitive statements, recalling the reported treatment of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and asking why serving members of the ruling establishment should receive different treatment when allegations of inflammatory conduct arise.
He said the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy depends not only on conducting elections but also on ensuring that political actors are held accountable for conduct capable of undermining electoral peace.
OSUN AS WARNING SIGNAL FOR 2027
Frank said the Osun election should be treated as more than a routine governorship contest, describing it as an important test of Nigeria’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
He warned that any attempt to intimidate voters, suppress opposition parties, manipulate security agencies or influence the electoral process through violence would have serious consequences for Nigeria’s democratic credibility.
Frank called on the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and the wider international community to closely monitor developments surrounding the Osun election.
He urged international partners and election observers to pay particular attention to the conduct of political parties, security agencies and other state institutions before, during and after the poll.
Frank also appealed to the people of Osun State not to succumb to fear or intimidation, urging voters to participate peacefully and insist that their votes count.
He cautioned opposition supporters against retaliatory violence, stressing that the appropriate response to political provocation must be lawful and democratic.
The opposition leader called on the police, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to maintain strict neutrality and professionalism throughout the electoral process.
He warned against the deployment of security personnel to intimidate opposition supporters or shield politically connected individuals from accountability.
Frank further demanded that any person found responsible for inciting, organising or participating in electoral violence be prosecuted regardless of political affiliation or status.
He said Nigerians should not have to wait until violence occurs before security agencies act on warning signs.
According to him, the responsibility of government is to prevent electoral violence, not merely investigate its consequences after lives and property have been lost.
Frank therefore urged the Federal Government, INEC, security agencies, political parties and civil society organisations to take every credible warning seriously and ensure that the Osun election is conducted in a peaceful, transparent and credible environment.
He maintained that the people of Osun State must be allowed to freely choose their governor without intimidation, violence or manipulation, stressing that the credibility of Osun 2026 will send a powerful message about Nigeria’s readiness for the 2027 elections.