OSUN ELECTION: FADAHUNSI JOINS APC MEGA RALLY AMID BACKLASH
Read Time:3 Minute, 48 Second
By:Tajudeen Aminat
The lawmaker representing Osun East Senatorial District, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, has joined other leaders and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the party’s mega rally in Osogbo ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
Fadahunsi’s appearance at the rally comes amid widespread criticism over a recent controversial remark attributed to him, in which he allegedly called on his supporters to attack members of the Accord Party ahead of the election.
The senator was among the APC leaders and supporters who converged on Osogbo, the Osun State capital, as the ruling party rounded off its campaign activities ahead of Saturday’s poll.
The mega rally is being attended by prominent APC figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and several governors elected on the platform of the party.
Among the governors expected at the event are Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
The gathering is part of the APC’s final mobilisation efforts for its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of the election.
However, Fadahunsi’s presence at the rally has attracted particular attention because of the backlash that followed his alleged comments against supporters of the Accord Party.
A video circulated on social media earlier this week showed the senator addressing supporters and allegedly urging them to eliminate members of the Accord Party they encountered ahead of the election.
The remark generated condemnation from political actors, civil society groups and members of the public, with calls for the senator to be investigated and prosecuted.
Critics argued that inflammatory statements by political leaders could heighten tensions in the state, particularly at a time when political campaigns were approaching their conclusion and the state was preparing for the governorship election.
The controversy has also triggered calls for disciplinary action against the senator by his political party.
The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Adewole Adebayo, on Thursday called on the APC to immediately expel Fadahunsi over the alleged statement.
Adebayo, who spoke during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show, condemned the use of violence and inflammatory language in political discourse.
He argued that the APC should take responsibility by taking disciplinary action against members who make statements capable of encouraging violence during elections.
According to Adebayo, the police should also investigate the senator and ensure that appropriate legal action is taken if he is found to have committed an offence.
The SDP presidential candidate said political leaders had a responsibility to promote peace and democratic participation rather than encourage violence against opponents.
The controversy surrounding Fadahunsi comes against the backdrop of heightened political tension in Osun State as the major parties intensify their final mobilisation ahead of Saturday’s election.
The election will see incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party seeking another term in office against candidates from the APC and other political parties.
The APC has been campaigning aggressively for Oyebamiji, with the party deploying its national leadership and governors to Osun in a bid to consolidate support for its candidate.
The presence of several senior APC figures at the mega rally is seen as an indication of the importance the party attaches to reclaiming Osun State.
The party has urged its supporters to remain united and mobilise voters across the state ahead of the election.
Meanwhile, concerns over political violence have remained a major issue in the build-up to the poll, with stakeholders repeatedly calling on political parties and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has also urged candidates, political parties and voters to adhere to the rules governing the electoral process and avoid actions capable of undermining the credibility of the election.
Fadahunsi’s appearance at the APC rally therefore comes at a politically sensitive moment, with attention focused not only on the candidates and their campaign promises but also on the conduct and statements of political leaders.
As the campaign period draws to a close, stakeholders are expected to maintain restraint and encourage their supporters to participate peacefully in the electoral process.
The August 15 election is expected to determine whether the APC can wrest control of Osun from the Accord Party or whether Adeleke will retain the governorship of the state.
With the major parties completing their final mobilisation efforts, all eyes are now on the electorate and security agencies to ensure that Saturday’s poll is conducted peacefully, freely and credibly.
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