Atiku’s aide accuses Tinubu of fuelling Osun tension over Fadahunsi controversy

The political battle ahead of the Osun State governorship election has taken a sharper turn, with a senior aide to ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar accusing President Bola Tinubu of creating an atmosphere that could encourage extreme political actions.

Demola Olarenwaju, Atiku’s Senior Political Assistant, linked the controversy surrounding Osun East Senator Francis Fadahunsi to a recent comment by Tinubu that “all is fair in politics.” He argued that the statement had helped create the conditions for inflammatory conduct ahead of Saturday’s election.

Fadahunsi has faced calls for investigation after a video circulated online in which he was allegedly heard telling supporters to “kill” members of the Accord Party. The senator has rejected the interpretation, insisting that he meant supporters should “kill Accord” with votes rather than physically attack members of the party.

Olarenwaju, however, dismissed the senator’s explanation and called for his immediate arrest and prosecution. In a post on X, he also criticised the police response, alleging that federal security authorities were treating APC figures differently from opposition politicians.

The ADC chieftain further argued that the controversy should not be viewed as an isolated incident. He claimed Tinubu’s “all is fair in politics” remark had created what he described as a dangerous precedent, with Osun becoming the first major test of the approach.

Olarenwaju also demanded that Fadahunsi be placed under house arrest for the remainder of the campaign period until the election results are declared. He said such action would help prevent further tension and send a clear warning against inflammatory political statements.

The controversy comes as political parties intensify their campaigns ahead of the Osun governorship election. With accusations and counter-accusations already dominating the political space, concerns over voter safety and the conduct of political actors are likely to remain central as the poll approaches.