The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has accused the All Progressives Congress, APC, of treating the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election as a do-or-die contest.
The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the allegation on Wednesday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time.
Abdullahi also spoke about the controversial comments attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, at an APC campaign event ahead of the election.
A video from the event had circulated online, with Fadahunsi allegedly calling on supporters to attack members of the Accord Party. The senator later explained that his words were misunderstood and that he was referring to defeating the opposition party politically rather than physically attacking its members.
However, Abdullahi rejected that explanation, saying the remark should be taken seriously given the tension surrounding the election.
The ADC spokesman also linked Fadahunsi’s statement to President Bola Tinubu’s earlier comments on political competition. According to Abdullahi, the President’s remarks could be interpreted by supporters as approval to use extreme methods in the pursuit of electoral victory.
He therefore placed responsibility on the President rather than solely on Fadahunsi, arguing that statements from those at the highest level of government can influence the conduct of political actors and their supporters.
The controversy comes as political parties intensify their campaigns across Osun State ahead of Saturday’s election, which is expected to be closely contested.
The ADC has continued to raise concerns about the safety of voters and opposition members as political activities increase across the state.
The party has also called for a peaceful and credible election, urging security agencies and political leaders to ensure that voters can participate without intimidation or violence.
The Osun governorship election will feature several candidates, including the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji and ADC candidate Najeem Salaam.