Osun Election: ADC Links Fadahunsi’s Controversial Remark to Tinubu’s Political Statement

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused President Bola Tinubu of creating an environment that could encourage controversial political statements such as those attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi ahead of the Osun State governorship election.

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the allegation during an appearance on Arise News on Wednesday, arguing that Fadahunsi may have viewed Tinubu’s statement that “all is fair in politics” as a political authorisation to do whatever was required to win an election.

“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,” Abdullahi said.

Fadahunsi was recently invited by the Osun State Police Command over remarks he made during an APC campaign rally in Ilesa. The comments were widely interpreted as encouraging supporters to attack members of the Accord Party.

Abdullahi said political statements from those in positions of authority could influence how supporters interpret what is permissible during an election campaign.

“When the President of the Federal Republic says ‘all is fair in politics,’ it means that you can maim, you can kill, you can steal, you can do whatever it takes, just deliver victory,” he said.

The ADC spokesman continued: “A president doesn’t need to say everything. When a president says ‘all is fair in politics,’ you are authorising any kind of behaviour. A subordinate, someone who looks up to you, can interpret it anywhere they like.”

Tinubu made the “all is fair in politics” remark on July 28 while hosting the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The statement was made during discussions concerning the 2027 elections.

Despite the controversy, Abdullahi said the ADC remained optimistic about its chances in the Osun governorship election, provided the poll was conducted transparently.

The party’s candidate, Najeem Salaam, is challenging incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke and APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, among other contenders.

“If this is going to be a free and fair election, ADC will win this election,” Abdullahi said.

Abdullahi also raised concerns over the deployment of heavily armed security personnel ahead of the poll, describing it as the “militarisation” of Osun’s political space.

He warned that the security buildup could affect public confidence in the electoral process and raise questions about the credibility of Saturday’s election.

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