The Accord Party has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Senator Francis Fadahunsi over what it described as an alleged call for violence against its members and supporters in Osun State.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Joseph Omorogbe, made the demand in a statement on Wednesday, days before the August 15 governorship election in the state.
Accord said a video circulating on social media appeared to show Fadahunsi addressing supporters during an All Progressives Congress campaign in Ijeshaland.
The party said the video contained remarks it considered threatening to its members.
Accord urged the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to investigate the video and take appropriate action if the allegations were established.
The party said the alleged remarks had heightened tension ahead of the governorship election.
“It is outrageous and reprehensible, and has heightened the political tension in the state ahead of the governorship election,” Omorogbe said.
Accord also called on security agencies to ensure adequate protection for political parties, candidates, voters and other citizens during the election.
It urged political actors and their supporters to refrain from actions capable of triggering violence.
The party said Osun residents should be allowed to exercise their civic rights without intimidation or fear.
Accord further appealed to international organisations and diplomatic missions to closely monitor developments surrounding the election.
The party called for a free, fair, credible, inclusive and peaceful poll that would reflect the wishes of Osun voters.
It also called for the release of what it described as more than 60 of its members allegedly detained in Abuja and Nasarawa State.
Accord claimed the arrests could affect the participation of some of its members in the election.
However, the allegations concerning the arrests and the contents of the video have not been independently verified.
The party said it was preparing for an election and not a confrontation.
“Accord prepares for an election, not war. The political ambition of anybody is not worth the blood of fellow citizens,” it stated.
The party urged voters to come out and exercise their franchise peacefully.
It also called on all stakeholders, including security agencies, political parties and electoral officials, to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
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