ADC’s Abdullahi Says Osun Poll Is Do-or-Die for APC, Fadahunsi’s Kill Remark No Metaphor
Lagos / Osogbo – August 12, 2026 — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday described the upcoming Osun State governorship election as a “do-or-die affair” for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while insisting that Senator Francis Fadahunsi’s viral call to “kill” opponents was not metaphorical.
Speaking in an interview on ARISE News, Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, said he does not primarily blame the senator for the inflammatory remarks but holds President Bola Tinubu responsible for creating a permissive political climate.
“I don’t blame the senator for saying what he said; I blame the president because he got his authorisation from the president,” Abdullahi stated. “President Tinubu has said all is fair in politics, and that means you can kill, steal, or do whatever it takes to deliver victory.”
The Viral Remark That Sparked Outrage
The controversy stems from a video of Senator Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East, addressing APC supporters in Ilesa.
Speaking in Yoruba, he was widely reported as saying that from then until election day, any Accord Party members encountered should be killed, adding that he authorized it and noting they also have wives and children.
The clip, shared widely, including by musician Davido, triggered strong condemnation from the Accord Party, civil society groups, and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which called for the senator’s suspension and prosecution over alleged incitement to violence and voter intimidation.
Fadahunsi later clarified that his words were metaphorical, urging supporters to “kill” the Accord Party with votes through peaceful, democratic means rather than physical violence.
He maintained this position during police interrogation after being summoned by the Osun State Police Command.
Heightened Tensions Ahead of August 15 Poll
The Osun governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, August 15. Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking re-election on the Accord Party platform, while the APC is mounting a strong challenge.
The state has already recorded incidents of political violence, with civil society groups classifying several local government areas as high-risk.
Abdullahi argued that the ruling party’s approach reflects a broader determination to win at all costs, warning that a free and fair process would allow voters to decide based on the credibility of the alternatives on offer rather than the weight of federal power or intimidation.
As security agencies monitor the situation and political actors trade accusations, the exchange has intensified scrutiny on the tone of campaign rhetoric just days before Osun residents head to the polls.
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