Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday took to the streets of Ilesa, Osun State, to protest the killing of 12 supporters of the party within 24 hours, ahead of Saturday’s gubernatorial election.
The Nation reports that five APC members were shot dead during a rally at the weekend, while seven others were killed on Tuesday as they gathered for a grand rally in the town. Newspapers
The latest incident reportedly occurred at Igbogi area of Ilesa, where suspected political thugs allegedly attacked APC supporters who had gathered ahead of the rally and opened fire on them.
Following the attack, APC members regrouped and staged a protest against the killings and alleged political intimidation in the area.
The protesters were later joined by APC leaders in Ijesaland, led by Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who addressed the crowd.
However, a video that emerged on social media showed Fadahunsi making a remark that sparked controversy amid heightened political tension in the state.
In the video, Fadahunsi was heard saying: “We must not see any Accord Party member in Ijesa land. When you see them, kill them.”
The remark drew condemnation, with Governor Ademola Adeleke calling for the arrest of Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
Fadahunsi, however, denied calling for violence against members of the Accord Party.
In a statement issued by his media office, the senator said his remark had been taken out of context, insisting that he meant that voters should defeat the Accord Party at the polls.
“I meant kill Accord with your votes,” he said.
He added that he had never advocated violence, intimidation or physical attacks against members or supporters of the Accord Party or any other political organisation.
“At no point did Senator Fadahunsi advocate violence, intimidation or any form of physical attack against members or supporters of the Accord Party or any other political party. His consistent position has always been that elections should be decided by the votes of the people and not by force,” the statement said.
“The Senator, therefore, urges political actors, party supporters and the electorate to conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the election. He also calls on security agencies to remain professional and ensure that every eligible voter is able to exercise their constitutional right without fear or intimidation.
“Senator Fadahunsi remains committed to democratic values, issue-based campaigns and a credible electoral process. He believes that the will of the people, freely expressed through the ballot, must always prevail.
“We, therefore, appeal to members of the public not to misinterpret or deliberately distort the Senator’s comments, as they were clearly intended to encourage electoral victory through the power of the ballot and not through violence.”
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
