…Says senator’s comments expose alleged APC plot to rig Osun poll
Opposition leader and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has demanded the immediate suspension and arrest of Senator Francis Fadahunsi over alleged inflammatory remarks concerning the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.
Frank also called on security agencies to investigate Fadahunsi, insisting that statements capable of inciting electoral violence must not be tolerated.
In a video circulating online, the senator, speaking in Yoruba, was heard accusing Accord Party members of attacking APC members and urging the gathering to attack Accord Party supporters in Ilesa.
In a statement on Wednesday, Frank described the alleged remarks as “unguarded” and dangerous to Nigeria’s democracy, urging the Federal Government and security agencies to act without delay.
“I condemn the comment of Senator Francis Fadahunsi strongly and call on the security agencies to immediately act, despite his position, to arrest the senator with all urgency,” he said.
Frank said the Senate should not fold its arms when one of its members makes statements capable of threatening peace and security during an election.
“The Senate must immediately suspend such a senator who can make such unguarded statements. We want to see action taken as an example to every person involved in election violence,” he said.
He said the alleged comments went beyond the Osun election, describing them as a possible indication of what he called a broader APC strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Frank also compared the matter with the detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged comments, questioning what he described as a disparity in the government’s response to statements by opposition figures and members of the ruling party.
He argued that a serving senator should not be treated differently if accused of remarks capable of threatening electoral peace.
He said: “That is why the APC and the Presidency have remained quiet. If such a statement had been made by an opposition senator or anybody in the opposition, the person would have been in prison by now.”
According to him, the alleged treatment of El-Rufai demonstrated the need for consistency and fairness in responding to political statements capable of causing public concern.
Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, appealed to the United States Government and the international community to closely monitor developments surrounding the Osun election.
“I call on the US government, President Donald Trump, the UK, EU and the entire international community not to remain quiet over such an incendiary statement coming from a serving senator in Nigeria,” he said.
He urged the international community to take appropriate measures against politicians whose actions or statements could undermine Nigeria’s democratic process, including possible visa restrictions where warranted.
Frank warned that the Osun election must be free, fair and credible, stressing that the will of the electorate must prevail.
“Osun election must not be rigged. The will of the people must count in Osun. Nigerians should not take this Osun election lightly if they decide to rig it.
“I urge the voters and citizens of Osun State not to be intimidated by these kinds of statements. I ask the voters and the people of Osun to rise up, vote and defend their votes,” he said.
He further warned that Fadahunsi and the ruling party should be held accountable for any violence arising from the election. “If anything happens in Osun State, this senator and the ruling party must be held responsible,” Frank said.
The opposition leader called on security agencies to remain neutral and professional before, during and after the election.
“Security agencies must be professional and not go there to harass citizens and opposition members. The plot to arrest opposition members across political parties must not be allowed,” he said.
He maintained that the credibility of the Osun election would have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s democracy and could serve as a pointer to what Nigerians should expect in the 2027 general elections.
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