The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has blamed the controversial remarks made by Senator Francis Fadahunsi directly at the feet of President Bola Tinubu, arguing that the President set a dangerous precedent ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
Speaking on Arise News on Wednesday, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi stated that Fadahunsi was merely acting on presidential cues when he made comments at an APC rally in Ilesa that were interpreted as inciting violence against members of the Accord Party. The remarks prompted the Osun State Police Command to invite the Osun East senator for questioning.
Abdullahi contended that subordinate politicians interpret broad statements from the presidency as tacit approval for electoral misconduct, explaining that when a leader suggests everything is permissible in political contests, it signals to supporters that any action, including violence or theft, is acceptable to secure a win.
He directly linked the rhetoric to a statement made by Tinubu on 28 July during a meeting with the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria in Abuja. Addressing opponents aiming to unseat him in the 2027 general elections, the President warned that he would not give up ground easily, declaring that “all is fair in a democratic contest.”
Absolving the senator of primary responsibility, Abdullahi insisted:
“I don’t want to blame Senator Fadahunsi. I blame President Bola Tinubu. He got his imprimatur for what he said from President Bola Tinubu. He got his authorisation from President Bola Tinubu,”
Beyond the rhetoric, the opposition spokesman voiced serious concerns regarding the heavy deployment of armed security personnel across Osun State, warning that such “militarisation” threatens the credibility of the upcoming ballot.
Despite these security concerns, Abdullahi expressed optimism about the prospects of the ADC and its candidate, Najeem Salaam, asserting: “If this is going to be a free and fair election, ADC will win this election,”