The Osun State Police Command has explained why it invited Senator Francis Fadahunsi for questioning over a controversial statement allegedly made against members of the Accord Party ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

The Commissioner of Police in charge of the election, Samuel Etaifo, said Fadahunsi was invited to clarify the statement and help prevent any escalation of political tension in the state.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, the police condemned the comment attributed to the senator, in which he allegedly said any Accord Party member seen in Ilesa before the election should be killed.

Etaifo said political leaders and public office holders were expected to exercise restraint and avoid statements capable of heightening tension or undermining confidence in the electoral process.

“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has invited Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi to provide clarification on the statement and to foster mutual understanding in the interest of peace and security,” the statement said.

The command stressed that the invitation should not be interpreted as intimidation, describing it instead as a proactive measure to prevent the escalation of tensions and ensure a peaceful, free, fair and credible election.

The police further warned that it would not tolerate any act, utterance or conduct capable of inciting violence, disrupting public peace or threatening the security of Osun State.

The controversy followed a viral video in which Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, was allegedly heard speaking in Yoruba during a gathering at the palace of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland in Ilesa.

The lawmaker was reportedly addressing supporters during a protest over the alleged killing of three APC members in Ilesa.

Also attracting criticism was an alleged statement by Francis Eniade, an APC candidate for the Ifelodun/Boripe/Odo Otin Federal Constituency, who reportedly urged non-APC voters not to come out on election day.

Reacting to the controversy, Governor Ademola Adeleke called for Fadahunsi’s arrest and investigation, saying the alleged statement could trigger widespread violence.

The police command has meanwhile appealed to all political actors, their supporters and members of the public to remain law-abiding and place the peace and stability of Osun State above partisan interests.