With less than 48 hours to Saturday’s Osun State governorship election, the Chairman of the Accord Party in the state, Pastor Victor Akande, has filed a direct criminal complaint against Senator Francis Fadahunsi over an alleged threat to kill members and supporters of the party.

The complaint was filed on Thursday before the Osun State Magistrate Court, accusing Fadahunsi of making statements capable of inciting violence and triggering killings ahead of the election.

Akande, through his counsel, A.A. Ahmed, Esq., of the law firm of MT Adekilekun, SAN, alleged that Fadahunsi made the threatening remarks at an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally on August 11.

According to the complaint, the senator allegedly directed that anyone seen wearing an Accord Party cap before election day should be killed.

Akande further alleged that those present at the rally received the statement with enthusiasm and were prepared to act on the alleged directive.

He also claimed that Fadahunsi instructed that the video recording of the rally be widely circulated to ensure that the alleged directive reached a wider audience.

The Accord chairman told the court that the development had created fear among party supporters across the state, with some allegedly contemplating retaliation.

He said he had, however, appealed to the supporters to remain calm and allow the law to take its course.

Akande said the alleged threat had also affected his ability, as well as that of other Accord members, to campaign and conduct their lawful activities ahead of Saturday’s election.

“The life of the complainant and all the Accord Party members are now in imminent danger as a result of conscious and direct threat from the suspect,” the complaint stated.

The complainants urged the court to intervene urgently, arguing that prompt judicial action was necessary to prevent the alleged threat from being carried out and avert possible reprisal attacks.

They maintained that failure to act could escalate tensions and undermine peace and public order in the state on the eve of the election.

A video recording of the alleged remarks was attached to the complaint, while the complainants indicated that additional evidence would be presented during trial.

In a separate but related development, another direct criminal complaint was filed against the APC House of Representatives candidate in the state, Damilare Eniade, over alleged incitement of violence against Accord Party members.

The second complaint was filed by the Chairman of the Accord Party in Ilesa East Local Government Area, Hon. Fatogun Seyi.

Both Fadahunsi and Eniade are accused in the complaints of uttering seditious words contrary to Sections 50 and 51 of the Osun State Criminal Code.

The complaints come amid heightened political tension in Osun as parties intensify their campaigns and mobilisation ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.