The Accord Party has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, over alleged incitement to violence against its members and supporters ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State.

The party made the demand in a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Joseph Omorogbe, following what it described as a viral campaign video allegedly showing Fadahunsi calling on All Progressives Congress (APC) members to kill Accord supporters during a campaign in Ijeshaland.

Accord condemned the alleged remarks, describing them as outrageous and reprehensible, and warned that they had further heightened political tension in the state ahead of the August 15 poll.

The party alleged that the incident supported its earlier claims that its members and supporters across Osun State were being subjected to political violence, harassment, intimidation and arrests by suspected political thugs.

“Accordingly, Accord demands the immediate arrest and prosecution of Senator Fadahunsi for promoting violence against political opponents in the state,” the statement said.

The party called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the allegation, apprehend Fadahunsi if found culpable and prevent any supporters or suspected APC thugs from attacking Accord members and other residents.

Accord said it was particularly concerned that an elected senator could allegedly make threats against fellow citizens days before a governorship election.

“For a sitting senator to condescend so low as to publicly threaten the lives of fellow compatriots days before the gubernatorial poll in the state is unjust and unacceptable,” the party said.

It appealed to Osun residents to remain peaceful and exercise their civic responsibilities without fear, stressing that voters should be allowed to freely choose their preferred candidate.

The party also called on the international community, including the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, the United States and United Kingdom diplomatic missions, the African Union and ECOWAS, to closely monitor developments in Osun State.

Accord further alleged that more than 60 of its members had been arrested and detained in Abuja and Nasarawa State in an attempt to prevent them from participating in Saturday’s election.

It demanded their immediate release and alleged that there were plans by the police to arrest additional party leaders and members ahead of the poll.

The party warned that such actions could undermine the credibility of the election and called on all stakeholders to resist attempts to manipulate the electoral process.

“Accord prepares for an election, not war. The political ambition of anybody is not worth the blood of fellow citizens. Let the Osun electorate freely choose their governor,” the statement said.

The party urged Osun voters to come out en masse on Saturday to vote for Governor Ademola Adeleke, whom it described as a trusted leader capable of continuing the state’s development.

Accord also urged stakeholders to work towards ensuring that the election was free, fair, credible, inclusive and peaceful. (Nigerian Tribune)