Senator Francis Fadahunsi has stirred controversy at a polling unit in Ilase-Ijesa after urging his supporters to pay close attention to the choices being made by voters during Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, made the remarks at Polling Unit 1 of NUD Primary School in Ilase-Ijesa.
The polling unit is also being used as a collation centre for the election.
A video circulating on social media captured the senator speaking to a group of supporters in Yoruba as voting was underway.
In the footage, Fadahunsi appeared to direct those around him to observe the candidates receiving votes from people at the polling station.
He reportedly told them to identify voters based on the candidates they thumbprinted for.
“Watch the choices people are making. Anyone who votes for a candidate he or she is not expected to support should not be regarded as a true indigene of Ijesa in Ilase,” Fadahunsi was heard saying.
The comment has raised questions about the extent to which voters should be monitored at polling stations, particularly given the secrecy expected during the voting process.
Fadahunsi’s latest remarks also come days after he faced police scrutiny over another controversial statement linked to the Osun governorship election.
The senator had reportedly been accused of making threats against supporters of the Accord Party ahead of the poll.
Following the allegation, the police invited him for questioning on Wednesday. He was later released after the session.
The latest incident has therefore placed Fadahunsi under renewed attention as voting continues across Osun State.
The Osun governorship election has attracted intense political competition, with security agencies and electoral officials maintaining a strong presence at polling locations across the state.
As collation progresses, attention is expected to remain on the conduct of political actors, voters and security personnel at polling and collation centres.