Senator Francis Fadahunsi has come under fresh scrutiny after reportedly telling supporters to monitor voters’ choices during the Osun governorship election, a remark that could raise concerns about ballot secrecy and electoral intimidation.
The senator, who represents Osun East and is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, made the remark at Polling Unit 1, NUD Primary School, Ilase-Ijesa, which also serves as a collation centre.
A video circulating on Saturday showed Fadahunsi addressing people at the polling unit in Yoruba and directing them to observe the candidates being selected by voters. He also suggested that anyone who voted for a candidate considered unsuitable was not a true indigene of Ijesa in Ilase.
The comment has drawn attention because voting is expected to be conducted through a secret ballot, with voters allowed to make their choices without pressure or interference.
Fadahunsi’s latest appearance at the centre of controversy comes only days after he was questioned by the police over an earlier video in which he allegedly made threatening remarks against members of the Accord Party ahead of the election. He was subsequently released after the police interrogation.
His latest statement came as voting continued across Osun State, with security agencies and electoral officials monitoring the governorship election in the 30 local government areas.
The development is likely to generate further debate over the conduct of political leaders and supporters at polling centres, particularly as concerns about intimidation, inducement and voter interference continue to feature in reports from the election.