By Isaac Mission
The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to immediately expel Senator Francis Fadahunsi over comments allegedly encouraging violence against members of the Accord Party ahead of the Osun governorship election.
Adebayo made the call on Thursday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, where he discussed the growing political tension surrounding the forthcoming election.
The SDP presidential candidate said the alleged remarks attributed to Fadahunsi were serious enough to warrant decisive action from the APC leadership, particularly at a time when political activities in Osun State are becoming increasingly intense.
According to Adebayo, political disagreements and competition should not be allowed to degenerate into threats against the lives of supporters of rival parties. He argued that political parties have a responsibility to promote peaceful participation and protect the democratic process.
The controversy surrounding Fadahunsi’s alleged comments has emerged amid heightened tensions among political parties and their supporters ahead of the Osun governorship election.
Adebayo maintained that statements perceived as encouraging violence could further inflame an already sensitive political environment and create fear among voters.
He therefore challenged the APC leadership to demonstrate its commitment to peaceful elections by taking disciplinary action against the senator if the comments attributed to him are established to be accurate.
The SDP candidate’s demand comes as political parties intensify their campaigns and mobilisation efforts across Osun State. The election has generated significant interest, with parties and candidates seeking to secure the support of voters across the state.
Adebayo stressed that the right to participate in politics should not depend on an individual’s party affiliation. He said supporters of the APC, SDP, Accord Party and other political organisations should be able to campaign and vote without fear of intimidation or violence.
He also called on political leaders to caution their supporters against inflammatory rhetoric, particularly during the final stages of an election campaign when tensions can easily escalate.
The SDP candidate’s comments add to growing calls from political actors for security agencies and political parties to ensure that the Osun election is conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.
The controversy over Fadahunsi’s alleged statement has also drawn reactions from other political groups, with opponents demanding clarification and accountability.
For Adebayo, however, the issue goes beyond an individual statement, as he argued that political leaders must be held responsible for the messages they send to their supporters.
He urged the APC to make its position clear on the alleged remarks and take appropriate disciplinary measures if the senator is found to have violated the party’s principles or encouraged violence.
As Osun heads towards the governorship election, stakeholders are expected to face increasing pressure to ensure that campaigns remain peaceful and that voters are allowed to exercise their constitutional rights without intimidation.
Adebayo said political power should ultimately be determined through ballots rather than threats, violence or coercion, urging all parties and their supporters to respect democratic principles throughout the electoral process.