The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has blamed President Bola Tinubu’s recent comments about political competition for what it described as controversial remarks attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
Speaking on Arise News, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi argued that Tinubu’s statement that “all is fair in politics” could have been interpreted by political supporters as approval to go to extreme lengths to secure electoral victory. Tinubu made the comment while receiving the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa on July 28.
Abdullahi said he would rather blame the President than Fadahunsi, arguing that political leaders have a responsibility to set clear boundaries for their supporters.
Fadahunsi questioned over campaign remarks
Fadahunsi was reportedly questioned by the Osun State Police Command following comments he made at an APC campaign rally in Ilesa.
The remarks were interpreted as encouraging supporters to attack members of the Accord Party, prompting concerns over political violence ahead of the election.
Abdullahi said statements from influential political figures can shape how supporters behave, particularly during tense election periods.
He argued that when a president says “all is fair in politics,” followers may interpret the statement in ways that go beyond peaceful political competition.
ADC confident ahead of Osun election
Despite the controversy, Abdullahi expressed confidence that the ADC could emerge victorious if Saturday’s election is conducted freely and fairly.
The party’s candidate, Najeem Salaam, is challenging 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 said.
The ADC spokesperson also criticised the deployment of heavily armed security personnel across Osun ahead of the poll, describing it as the “militarisation” of the state’s political space.
He warned that the security presence could raise questions about the credibility of the electoral process if not properly managed.
With the election approaching, attention is now focused on whether the Osun poll will be peaceful, transparent and acceptable to the competing parties.
Source: Arise News; statements and comments referenced in reports on the Osun governorship election.
