ADC Blames Tinubu Over Fadahunsi’s Controversial Remark

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has blamed President Bola Tinubu’s recent comments on political contests for the controversial remarks attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi ahead of the Osun State governorship election.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the claim on Wednesday while speaking on Arise News, where he linked the senator’s alleged comments to the tone set by political leaders.

Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, was recently invited by the Osun State Police Command over a video from an All Progressives Congress campaign rally in Ilesa. His remarks at the event were interpreted as encouraging supporters to attack members of the Accord Party.

Abdullahi argued that comments from political leaders could influence the actions of their supporters, particularly during heated election campaigns. He said Fadahunsi might have understood Tinubu’s earlier statement that there are no strict limits in politics as permission to use any method considered necessary to secure victory.

Tinubu had 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 issues surrounding the 2027 political contest.

The ADC spokesman said political leaders must be careful with their words because supporters may interpret them in ways that could encourage violence or other forms of misconduct during elections.

Fadahunsi’s alleged remarks have attracted attention as political activities intensify across Osun ahead of Saturday’s governorship election. The senator has since appeared before the police for questioning over the matter.

Meanwhile, Abdullahi expressed confidence that the ADC could emerge victorious if the Osun election is conducted in a free and transparent manner.

The party is fielding Najeem Salaam as its candidate in the election, where he faces Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, among other contenders.

Abdullahi also raised concerns over the large presence of armed security personnel deployed across the state ahead of the poll. He described the heavy security presence as a form of militarisation and questioned whether it could affect the conduct and public perception of the election.

The ADC called for an electoral process that allows voters to freely cast their ballots without intimidation, while urging authorities and political actors to avoid actions that could increase tension before, during and after Saturday’s election.