ADC blames Tinubu for Fadahunsi’s ‘kill Accord members’ remark
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has connected recent comments by President Bola Tinubu to remarks made by Senator Francis Fadahunsi, which have stirred controversy ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
In an interview with Arise News on Wednesday, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, suggested that Fadahunsi’s comments were influenced by Tinubu’s assertion that “all is fair in politics.” Abdullahi expressed concern that this statement could be interpreted as a justification for political actions that go beyond ethical boundaries in the pursuit of electoral victory.
“I do not want to blame Senator Fadahunsi; I blame President Bola Tinubu,” Abdullahi stated. “He received his authorization from the President’s comments.”
Fadahunsi has been questioned by the Osun State Police Command regarding remarks made at a campaign rally for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ilesa, where he was perceived to be encouraging his supporters to confront members of the Accord Party.
Abdullahi emphasized the significance of political rhetoric, noting that statements from leaders can shape how their followers perceive the limits of acceptable behavior during elections. He argued that Tinubu’s remarks could be interpreted as a call to engage in any means necessary to secure electoral success.
“When the President of the Federal Republic says, ‘all is fair in politics,’ it could imply that any action — including violence — is permissible to achieve victory,” Abdullahi explained. “A president’s words carry weight; when he states such a phrase, it may be interpreted broadly by those who look up to him.”
Tinubu made his controversial remark on July 28 while meeting with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, discussing the upcoming 2027 elections.
Looking ahead to the Osun election, Abdullahi expressed confidence in the ADC’s prospects if the voting process is conducted transparently. The ADC candidate, Najeem Salaam, is competing against incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke and APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji.
“If this is going to be a free and fair election, ADC will win this election,” Abdullahi stated.
He also raised alarms about the heavy police presence in the state as the election approaches, referring to it as a “militarisation” of Osun’s political landscape and questioning its potential impact on the election’s credibility.
