The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has come to the defence of Senator Francis Fadahunsi following controversy over comments attributed to the lawmaker, as political tensions mount ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the APC argued that Fadahunsi’s remarks had been taken out of context and subsequently used by political opponents to advance what it described as partisan interests ahead of the poll.
The party maintained that it does not condone violence, threats or any form of jungle justice, stressing that allegations of incitement or criminal conduct should be handled through lawful and constitutional channels.
The APC also disputed the version of Fadahunsi’s remarks circulating in the public domain, alleging that portions of his comments had been doctored or presented without the context in which they were made.
The party further linked Governor Ademola Adeleke’s criticism of Fadahunsi to the senator’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC and the shifting political alliances ahead of the election.
Fadahunsi, a serving senator representing Osun East, joined the APC earlier this year alongside other federal lawmakers, while publicly backing the party’s governorship candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji. His political realignment has added another layer to the increasingly competitive contest between the APC and the incumbent administration.
The Osun APC also pointed to endorsements received by Oyebamiji from prominent political figures, including former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Secretary to the State Government Fatai Akinbade and former South-West PDP Deputy Chairman Tajudeen Oladipo. The party suggested that the endorsements had altered the political calculations ahead of the election, although it did not provide independent evidence linking them directly to the governor’s criticism of Fadahunsi.
The party also accused the state government of failing to adequately address reported cases of political violence and killings involving members and supporters of the Accord Party, particularly in Ijesaland. It questioned the administration’s handling of the security situation and called for greater reliance on law enforcement and due process.
The latest controversy comes against the backdrop of heightened political tension in Osun. Governor Adeleke has previously accused opposition figures, including Fadahunsi and APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji, of involvement in or promotion of political violence—allegations the APC has rejected.
Olajengbesi Demands Retraction, Threatens Legal Action
Meanwhile, the controversy has taken a legal turn following a formal letter of demand issued on behalf of Olajengbesi to Senator Fadahunsi over alleged defamatory statements concerning his client.
The letter, signed by Hammed Lasisi of Law Corridor, accused Fadahunsi of making statements questioning Olajengbesi’s place of origin and allegedly associating him with cult groups, political thuggery and acts of violence.
According to the legal demand, the statements were made during media interviews in July and August. Olajengbesi’s lawyers maintained that the allegations were false, damaging to their client’s reputation and capable of causing serious injury to his personal and professional standing.
The lawyers demanded that Fadahunsi immediately stop making similar allegations, retract the disputed statements, issue a public apology and provide a written undertaking not to repeat them.
They gave the senator 24 hours to comply, warning that failure to do so would trigger legal proceedings.
The proposed action could seek damages of up to ₦10 billion for alleged defamation and injurious falsehood, in addition to injunctions, legal costs and other remedies available under Nigerian law.
The development adds a fresh dimension to an already charged election season, with the APC and its opponents trading accusations over political violence, security and campaign rhetoric.
With the August 15 poll drawing closer, the dispute involving Fadahunsi, Olajengbesi and the competing political camps is likely to attract further scrutiny as parties intensify their campaigns and security concerns remain central to the electoral conversation.
