ADC Blames Tinubu Over Fadahunsi’s ‘Kill Accord Members’ Remark

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused President Bola Tinubu of creating an atmosphere that could encourage political violence following controversial remarks attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi ahead of the Osun State governorship election.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the allegation on Arise News on Wednesday while discussing the controversy surrounding comments reportedly made by Fadahunsi during an APC campaign event in Ilesa.

Fadahunsi was recently questioned by the Osun State Police Command over the remarks, which were interpreted as an encouragement to his supporters to attack members of the Accord Party.

Abdullahi said he believed the senator may have interpreted Tinubu’s earlier statement that “all is fair in politics” as approval for political actors to take extreme measures in pursuit of electoral victory.

He argued that comments from political leaders could influence how supporters understand what is acceptable during an election.

According to Abdullahi, when senior political figures make statements suggesting that there are no limits in political contests, their supporters may interpret such remarks in ways that could encourage violence or other unlawful acts.

Tinubu made the statement on July 28 while receiving members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The discussion included political issues ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The ADC spokesman said political leaders had a responsibility to ensure that their statements did not create room for supporters to justify violence during elections.

Meanwhile, Abdullahi expressed confidence that the ADC could emerge victorious in Saturday’s Osun governorship election if the process is free and transparent.

The party’s candidate, Najeem Salaam, is among the major contenders in the election alongside incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke and the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.

Abdullahi said the ADC would win the election if voters were allowed to freely make their choice and the electoral process was conducted fairly.

He also criticised the heavy deployment of security personnel across Osun ahead of the poll, describing it as the militarisation of the state’s political space.

The ADC spokesman expressed concern that the presence of heavily armed security personnel could affect voters’ confidence and the credibility of the election.

The controversy comes as political parties and security agencies intensify preparations for the August 15 governorship election amid growing concerns over possible violence and intimidation.