APC Chieftain Warns Opposition Supporters: ‘Don’t Cross the Gutter’ on Election Day
Another chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Mutali Adisa, has sparked concern ahead of Saturday’s governorship election after warning residents who do not support the party’s candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, against crossing the “gutter” in Ikire on election day.
Adisa, the Seriki of Ikire, made the remark on Tuesday while addressing APC supporters in Ikire, the hometown of the party’s candidate.
According to SaharaReporters, Adisa expressed confidence that Oyebamiji would win the election, saying the APC only needed strong support in Ikire to consolidate its victory.
“We are sure of victory given all the works we have done in the campaign. Ambo is sure of victory; what he needs is percentage in Ikire, he has won already,” he said.
However, Adisa later issued a warning to residents planning to vote for other candidates.
“We should, however, tell those who are not willing to vote for Ambo the truth: they should not even try to cross the gutter on election day in Ikire,” he said.
The comment has heightened concerns over the tone of political campaigns in Osun State, where rival parties have traded accusations and inflammatory statements ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Fadahunsi Controversy Adds to Tension
Adisa’s remark came shortly after another APC controversy involving Francis Fadahunsi, the senator representing Osun East.
Fadahunsi faced criticism after a video circulated online in which he was heard speaking in Yoruba and allegedly directing APC supporters to “kill” members of the Accord Party.
The senator later denied any intention to promote violence, with his media team explaining that the statement was metaphorical and referred to defeating Accord at the ballot box.
In a statement titled “Kill Osun Accord with Votes, Not Violence,” his media team said Fadahunsi was urging APC supporters to reject the Accord Party through lawful and democratic means.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Senator’s statement was purely political and metaphorical,” the statement said.
However, the explanation did not end the controversy.
Police Summon Senator
The Osun State Police Command subsequently summoned Fadahunsi to appear before the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Osogbo over the remarks.
In a letter dated August 11, the police directed the senator to report to the SCID at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 12.
The invitation was signed by Samuel Etaifo Erale, the Commissioner of Police in charge of elections in Osun State.
According to the police, Fadahunsi was expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the statement allegedly made during an APC campaign programme in Ilesa.
Fresh Concerns Over Election Day
Adisa’s latest warning has intensified concerns about possible intimidation and confrontation as political parties prepare for Saturday’s election.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking re-election on the Accord Party platform, has repeatedly accused the APC of using political thugs to attack his supporters, allegations the APC has rejected.
With the election approaching, attention is increasingly focused on whether political parties and their supporters will refrain from statements or actions that could discourage voters from freely participating in the poll.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies have repeatedly called for a peaceful electoral environment, while political actors have been urged to allow voters to exercise their rights without fear or intimidation.
The controversies surrounding the statements by Adisa and Fadahunsi have therefore renewed attention on the responsibility of political leaders to ensure that the August 15 election is conducted peacefully and that voters remain free to support candidates of their choice.
