A senator representing an Osun senatorial district on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has ignited widespread condemnation after a video surfaced showing him allegedly urging supporters to kill members of the Accord Party ahead of Saturday's governorship election. The footage, which has gone viral, was brought to national prominence by Afrobeat singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, who shared it on social media along with an English translation of the lawmaker's remarks.
Senator's Alleged Remarks Translated by Davido
According to the translation provided by Davido, the senator told the crowd in Yoruba: "From now on, whenever you see Accord members, kill them. I authorise you to kill them. They have wives and children too. This is a Federal Government election. On election day, even if they come with voter cards, we won't allow them to vote."
In a second portion of the speech, also translated by Davido, the senator reportedly said: "What kind of life is that? If we hear anything about Accord in Ilesa here, record me and go and tell them. When we tell them, the cap they are putting on is a bad one, a yellow one. So, we have come to tell you now, from now till the election day, if we see them, kill them o."
Political Tensions Rise Ahead of Osun Election
The controversy has erupted in the final days of campaigning, with Osun voters preparing to choose their next governor. Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking re-election under the Accord Party banner, making the party a direct target for rival political camps. The alleged remarks, if accurately translated and taken in context, raise serious concerns about the potential for political violence and voter intimidation in the state.
Security agencies, election bodies, and civil society groups had issued appeals in the lead-up to the vote, urging political actors and their supporters to avoid inflammatory conduct and ensure a peaceful process. Despite these calls, rival camps have been trading accusations of intimidation throughout the final stretch of the campaign, with tensions sharpening as election day approaches.
Davido's Role in Highlighting the Incident
Davido, a prominent figure with a large following, used his platform to amplify the video, providing the English translation that made the remarks accessible to a wider audience. His post has drawn significant attention to the incident, prompting calls for action from security agencies and the electoral commission.
The video's authenticity has not been independently verified, and the senator has not publicly responded to the allegations. However, the incident underscores the volatile atmosphere surrounding the Osun governorship election, which is seen as a critical test for the state's political stability.
As election day nears, the focus now shifts to how authorities will handle the situation. The police and the Nigeria Police Service Commission have been urged to investigate the matter and take appropriate action to prevent any escalation of violence. The outcome of this incident could influence the conduct of the election and the broader political climate in Osun State.
