Demola Olarenwaju, Senior Political Assistant to the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu of creating a climate for political violence ahead of the Osun State governorship election. Olarenwaju linked recent comments by Osun East Senator Francis Fadahunsi to Tinubu’s earlier remark that “all is fair in politics,” arguing the statement has emboldened ruling party figures to issue threats.
The controversy erupted after a video circulated online appearing to show Fadahunsi urging supporters to “kill” members of the Accord Party. The senator subsequently denied inciting physical violence, stating he had urged supporters to “kill Accord” at the ballot box through votes. The explanation has not satisfied critics.
Writing on X, Olarenwaju dismissed the senator’s defence as an insult to public intelligence. “That Fadahunsi is still going to the TV station instead of the police station is confirmation of federal compromise,” he posted. He argued Tinubu’s rhetoric had laid the foundation for extreme actions by All Progressives Congress members, describing Osun as “the first experiment” and Fadahunsi as “the first APC chieftain caught on camera acting accordingly.”
Olarenwaju called for the senator’s immediate arrest and prosecution, adding that Fadahunsi should be placed under house arrest for the remainder of the campaign period. He further condemned what he described as blatant preferential treatment for the APC by the federal police, calling it unacceptable by any democratic standard.
The allegations raise questions about accountability for political speech and the role of security agencies in enforcing electoral laws. With the Osun governorship contest approaching, the incident has intensified scrutiny on campaign conduct and the potential for rhetoric to translate into violence. Observers say the response of law enforcement and electoral authorities will test the credibility of the democratic process in the state.
