Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The recent statement attributed to Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi (commonly referred to as Ade Fadahunsi), in a widely circulated video from a campaign gathering in Ilesa, the senator was heard speaking in Yoruba and issuing what can only be described as an open licence for murder: instructing that if Accord Party members are sighted between then and election day, they should be killed. He allegedly authorised the act, referenced their families, and framed it in the most chilling terms.
This is not political rhetoric. This is incitement to violence. This is a call to political thuggery and potential bloodshed.
No amount of subsequent damage-control, claims of “metaphor,” or assertions that he merely meant “kill them with votes” can erase the plain meaning of those words as captured and understood by Nigerians. It is an abomination that must be rejected in the strongest possible terms. It is not political rhetoric.
It is not campaign hyperbole. It is a direct, dangerous, and wholly unacceptable incitement to murder and political violence.
A situation where a sitting senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who swore to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law now stood before his supporters, and authorised the killing of fellow citizens solely because of their political affiliation is totally condemnable and unworthy of a Senator.
These words, whether later dressed up as “metaphorical” or claimed to mean “kill with votes,” constitute a clear threat to life and a reckless assault on the democratic process.
Nigeria has bled too much already from political thuggery, assassination, and election-related violence. We have buried too many young men and women whose only crime was supporting a different candidate or party.
For a lawmaker to revive the language of blood and vengeance on the eve of a governorship election is not only irresponsible, it is criminal in spirit and must be treated as such.
No democratic society should tolerate elected representatives who normalise the language of death against political opponents. The Constitution guarantees the right to life and the right to political participation.
Ordering or encouraging the violation of either is an attack on the foundations of the Republic.
To the Nigeria Police Force: Nigerians are watching with keen interest. I note the invitation extended to Senator Fadahunsi to appear before the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo to clarify the circumstances surrounding these threatening, inciting, and intimidating statements. That invitation is a necessary first step. It must not be the last.
The outcome of this invitation will speak volumes about the seriousness with which our security agencies treat threats to public peace and the integrity of the electoral process. Nigerians expect a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation. We expect that the full weight of the law will be applied without fear or favour, regardless of the status of the individual involved. Anything less will confirm the suspicion that some politicians remain above the law while ordinary citizens face the full consequences of lesser offences.
I therefore wish to use this medium to call on the Inspector-General of Police, the Osun State Police Command, and all relevant security agencies, the DSS inclusive to demonstrate that Nigeria will no longer tolerate open calls for the killing of political opponents. They should carry out thorough and unbiased investigation and Prosecute where necessary anyone found culpable. They should protect the right of every citizen to campaign, mobilise, and vote without fear. Ensure that the forthcoming election is free, fair, peaceful, and credible.
Senator Fadahunsi and every other political actor must understand that Nigeria belongs to all of us. No individual, no matter how highly placed, has the right to authorise violence against fellow citizens. The people of Osun, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve better than this descent into the politics of blood.
I condemn this statement in the strongest possible terms. I demand accountability. And i remind the police and every institution of state that the eyes of the nation are fixed on them. The outcome of this invitation will be judged not by words, but by action.
Nigeria must choose peace over thuggery, ballots over bullets, and the rule of law over the rule of the strongman. Anything less is a betrayal of the democratic aspirations of our people.
Ambassador ‘Kunle Adeloye is a politician, a Social Commentator and Public Affairs Analyst.
13 August 2026