#OSUN ELELECTION - No Room for Inciteful Comments – Osun CP Warns Politicians Ahead of Governorship Election

By Zongoplus News Desk | August 12, 2026

The Osun State Police Commissioner for Election, Samuel Etaifo, has warned politicians and public office holders against making inflammatory statements as the state prepares for its governorship election on Saturday.

The warning comes amid heightened political tension and reports of violence in parts of the state, with authorities urging political actors to prioritize peace and allow residents to exercise their democratic rights without fear.

Police Warn Against Incitement

CP Etaifo urged politicians to exercise restraint and avoid statements capable of escalating tensions or undermining confidence in the electoral process.

According to the police, political leaders have a responsibility to promote peace, particularly during the final days of an election campaign.

The commissioner stressed that the police would not tolerate any act, statement or conduct capable of inciting violence, disrupting public peace or threatening security in Osun State.

He also reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to neutrality, professionalism and the protection of democratic values during the election.

Fadahunsi Invited for Questioning

The warning followed the invitation of Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, over alleged inflammatory comments reportedly made against members of the Accord Party in Ilesa.

The police said the invitation was intended to allow the senator to clarify the statement and help prevent further escalation of political tensions.

CP Etaifo emphasized that the invitation should not be interpreted as intimidation but as part of proactive security measures designed to maintain peace before, during and after the election.

Fadahunsi has subsequently denied that his comments were a call for physical violence, saying his reference to "killing Accord" was intended to mean defeating the party politically through votes.

Political Tension Raises Concern Among Residents

The police warning comes against the backdrop of growing concern among Osun residents over reported political violence ahead of Saturday's election.

Residents who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria expressed fears that continued violence could discourage people from going to polling stations.

Some residents have called on political parties to control their supporters and allow voters to participate peacefully, while also urging security agencies to provide adequate protection on election day.

Peter Obi Calls for Restraint

The controversy surrounding Fadahunsi's alleged remarks has also attracted reactions from political leaders.

Former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate Peter Obi called on Fadahunsi to retract what he described as harmful statements and apologize to the people of Osun.

Obi warned that political rhetoric that appears threatening could frighten voters and potentially contribute to electoral violence.

He also called on political leaders, party supporters and security agencies to exercise restraint and protect the integrity of the election.

Security Agencies on Alert

Security preparations have intensified across Osun ahead of the governorship poll.

The police have emphasized that their objective is to ensure a peaceful, free, fair and credible election, while other security agencies are also expected to participate in election security operations.

The heightened security posture comes as residents and political stakeholders express concern about possible clashes before and after the vote.

Why the Warning Matters

Election-related rhetoric can have serious consequences, particularly when political competition becomes highly polarized.

With only days remaining before voters head to the polls, the police are seeking to prevent inflammatory speeches from translating into confrontation between supporters of rival political parties.

For voters, the message from the authorities is clear: political disagreements should be settled at the ballot box rather than through threats, intimidation or violence.

Conclusion

The Osun State Police Command has made it clear that there will be no room for inflammatory statements or conduct capable of triggering violence as the state approaches its governorship election.

The invitation of Senator Fadahunsi demonstrates that security authorities are prepared to intervene when they believe political statements could threaten public peace.

With tensions already rising, the coming days will be critical. Political parties, candidates, supporters, security agencies and voters will all have a role to play in ensuring that Osun's election is conducted peacefully and that the people's votes—not intimidation or violence—determine the outcome.