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Senator Francis Fadahunsi has come under renewed scrutiny over comments he reportedly made while addressing supporters at his polling unit during Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.

A video purportedly recorded at the polling location showed the senator urging his supporters to monitor their ballots before making further remarks about how they should vote.

The comments have triggered a reaction from the Imole Campaign Council, which accused Fadahunsi of attempting to influence voters during the election.

The council’s spokesman, Pelumi Olajengbesi, described the remarks as unacceptable and undemocratic and called on security agencies to investigate the development.

The latest controversy comes days after Fadahunsi was invited by the Osun State Police Command over comments attributed to him during a campaign event in Ilesa.

The senator had previously faced criticism over a statement interpreted by opponents as a call for violence against members of the Accord Party.

Fadahunsi later clarified that the statement was not intended literally, explaining that he was urging his supporters to defeat the Accord Party politically at the polls.

The earlier controversy also attracted the attention of Amnesty International Nigeria, which called for an investigation and accountability over the alleged inciting remarks.

With voting underway across the state, the latest incident has again placed Fadahunsi under scrutiny amid heightened political tensions surrounding the governorship election.

However, the interpretation of the senator’s latest remarks and the allegations made by the campaign council could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.

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Popular singer, Davido has alleged that soldiers are attempting to prevent him from entering Osun State as residents vote in the governorship election.

Davido made the claim in a post on his verified X account early Saturday.

“I’ve been reliably informed that soldiers are trying to prevent me from entering Osun tomorrow; this won’t happen. Every citizen of Nigeria has the right to movement at any point in time,” he wrote.

His claim comes hours after the Nigeria Police Force announced a restriction of movement across Osun State from midnight on Friday until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday as part of security measures for the election.

Thousands of police officers and other security personnel have been deployed across the state to maintain security during the poll.

Recall that Davido, who is a nephew of Governor Ademola Adeleke, has been actively campaigning for his uncle, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party.

The governor is facing Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other candidates in the off-cycle election.

Davido’s allegation has generated mixed reactions, with some social media users pointing to the already announced movement restriction as a possible explanation for security checks, while others raised concerns about whether the restriction was being selectively applied.

Bashir Ahmad, a former presidential media aide, dismissed Davido’s claim as “dramatic”, arguing that the movement restriction had already been publicly announced by security agencies.

“You are just dramatic, @davido. It has been widely announced by the security operators that movement in and around Osun will be restricted from 12 midnight today until 6 pm today due to the election, and this is a standard security measure during elections anywhere, not peculiar to Osun,” Ahmad wrote.

He emphasized that the constitutional right to freedom of movement does not exempt citizens from lawful security measures introduced to protect the electoral process.

“So the right to freedom of movement does not mean ignoring lawful security measures put in place to ensure a peaceful and credible election,” he added.

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By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Government has congratulated the Republic of India on the occasion of its 80th Independence Anniversary, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties across key sectors, including trade, technology, healthcare, education and defence.

In a statement issued by the Spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Saturday, Nigeria described India as a trusted friend and strategic partner whose relationship with Africa’s largest economy has continued to flourish over the decades.

“The Government of Nigeria extends its sincere congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of India as they celebrate the 80th anniversary of their nation’s independence on August 15, 2026,” the statement read.

The Federal Government noted that relations between both countries have remained strong because of their shared history and longstanding cooperation under multilateral platforms.

“Nigeria recognises India as a valued friend and strategic partner, and warmly acknowledges the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation that have characterised bilateral relations between both countries over the decades.

“These ties, rooted in shared history as members of the Commonwealth and the Non-Aligned Movement, continue to be strengthened through cooperation in trade, investment, technology, health, education, defence and cultural exchange”, it added.

Nigeria also commended India’s development journey since gaining independence in 1947, describing the country as one of the world’s leading economies and an influential voice in international affairs.

“On this auspicious occasion, the Federal Government commends India’s remarkable journey of nation-building, economic transformation and democratic consolidation since gaining independence in 1947, and its emergence as one of the world’s leading economies and a key voice in global affairs”, the statement further read.

The statement further acknowledged India’s growing investment footprint in Nigeria and praised the long-standing partnership between both countries.

“Nigeria appreciates the vibrant and long-standing partnership between both nations, including India’s continued investment presence in Nigeria and the significant contributions of the Indian community to Nigeria’s economic development”, it stated.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to deepen cooperation with India in several strategic areas, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, information technology, investment and South-South cooperation.

The Federal Government also emphasised the importance of continued collaboration within international organisations such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the G20.

“Furthermore, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to deepening bilateral relations with India across all sectors, including trade and investment, health and pharmaceuticals, information technology, defence cooperation and South-South cooperation.

“Nigeria looks forward to continued collaboration with India within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the G20, in advancing shared interests, including reform of global governance institutions, sustainable development and South-South solidarity”, it stated.

The statement expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria-India relations, particularly following the recent assumption of duty by Nigeria’s High Commissioner to India.

“With the recent assumption of duty of Nigeria’s High Commissioner to India, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirms Nigeria’s dedication to nurturing and expanding the warm and mutually beneficial relationship between both countries in the years ahead”, the statement added.

The Federal Government extended its best wishes to India and its people as the Asian nation marked eight decades of independence.