Senator Francis Fadahunsi of Osun East sparked controversy after a video surfaced of him saying, "if we see them, it is killing," in reference to members of the Accord Party during a protest in Ilesa. The protest followed the shooting deaths of three people in Imo area of Ilesa, which Fadahunsi blamed on supporters of Governor Ademola Adeleke's party. He made the remarks in Yoruba, later clarifying on live television that his words were political and metaphorical, not literal, and meant to urge APC supporters to defeat the Accord Party at the ballot box. His media office stated the comment was a call for peaceful, democratic rejection of the party in the August 15 governorship election. The police invited Fadahunsi for questioning over the comment, which drew widespread backlash.
Other political figures made similarly controversial statements. Borno State Commissioner Saina Buba said citizens who vote for APC would be fed honey, while those who do not would be caned, and threatened to cut off the finger of anyone pointing at officials. After Police Headquarters announced an investigation into his remarks, Buba apologized. In Yobe State, APC Chairman Alhaji Mohammed Gadaka said married women should divorce husbands who stop them from voting for APC, offering to pay their dowries for remarriage. He initially called it a cultural joke between Ngamo and Kare-Kare groups but later retracted and apologized. In the FCT, Kuje Area Council Chairman Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo said residents must support APC or leave the area, citing benefits from projects by President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. He later claimed his remarks were taken out of context. Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru declared that any local government chairman who fails to secure victory for APC in the 2027 elections would be removed from office and replaced.
A senator urges peaceful voting while using language that mimics incitement, then claims it was only metaphorical. When political figures rely on violent imagery even in jest or translation, it tests public trust in their commitment to electoral peace.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
