The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has launched a fresh attack on President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of indirectly encouraging controversial political comments allegedly made by Senator Francis Fadahunsi ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, claimed Fadahunsi drew confidence from President Tinubu’s recent statement that “all is fair in politics,” which he said may have been interpreted by some politicians as a licence to do whatever it takes to win elections.
Abdullahi made the allegation during an appearance on Arise News on Wednesday, insisting that the president should take responsibility for the message his words send to political actors.
“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, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, was recently invited by the Osun State Police Command for questioning over remarks he made at an All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally in Ilesa.
His comments sparked outrage after they were interpreted by critics as a call for attacks against supporters of the rival Accord Party, triggering political backlash and demands for investigation.
According to Abdullahi, presidential statements carry enormous influence, and political loyalists could interpret such remarks as approval to cross boundaries in the battle for electoral victory.
“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 alleged.
“A president doesn’t need to say everything. When a president says ‘all is fair in politics,’ you are authorising any kind of behaviour. Someone who looks up to you can interpret it anywhere they like,” he added.
President Tinubu had made the remark on July 28 while receiving members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Speaking about the 2027 general election, Tinubu warned political opponents seeking to defeat him that he would not give up without a fight, saying: “All is fair in a democratic contest.”
The ADC spokesman’s comments come amid rising political tension in Osun as parties intensify campaigns and mobilise supporters ahead of the governorship poll.
Abdullahi expressed confidence that the ADC could emerge victorious if the election is conducted in a free and fair manner.
The party’s candidate, Najeem Salaam, is contesting the governorship seat.
“If this is going to be a free and fair election, ADC will win this election,” Abdullahi declared.
However, he raised concerns over what he described as the “militarisation” of Osun’s political environment, warning that the heavy presence of security personnel could raise questions about the credibility of the election.
With parties making final moves and security agencies preparing for the exercise, all eyes are now on Saturday’s Osun governorship election.
