Concerns over voter freedom and political intimidation have resurfaced in Osun State following fresh comments by the All Progressives Congress senator representing Osun East, Francis Fadahunsi, at his polling unit in Ilase-Ijesa.
A viral video shows the APC chieftain addressing supporters at Polling Unit One, NUD Primary School, which also serves as a collation centre.
Speaking in Yoruba, Fadahunsi urged those at the polling unit to monitor the choices made by voters.
He was heard saying, “Be looking at who people thumbprint for. Whoever votes for who he or she is not supposed to vote for is not a true indigene of Ijesa in Ilase”.
The comments have triggered concerns about voter privacy and the right of citizens to freely choose their preferred candidates.
The senator’s remarks come days after he was criticised over another video in which he was alleged to have threatened members of the Accord Party ahead of the election. Fadahunsi was subsequently invited and questioned by the police on Wednesday before being released.
The earlier incident raised concerns over the safety of opposition supporters and the possibility of intimidation ahead of the poll.
While Fadahunsi has not been convicted of any offence over the allegations, the police have not announced any further action against him.
His latest comments come as voting and collation continue across Osun State, with political parties and election observers closely monitoring the process.
