The Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adebayo Adewole, has called on President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to sanction party members accused of using violent political language, saying failure to act would make the party collectively responsible.
He made the remarks during an interview with ARISE NEWS, where he expressed concern about rising inflammatory statements as Nigeria moves toward the 2027 general elections.
Adewole said violent rhetoric was dangerous and could escalate political tensions, especially in states already experiencing unrest. “So I expect the APC to expel Fadahunsi and any of these people. If they don’t, they are collectively responsible,” he said.
His comments followed a controversial statement attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who allegedly dismissed a call for violence against members of the Accord Party as political language. Adewole rejected that interpretation, saying “Kill means kill.”
Candidate Links Violent Rhetoric to Historical Conflicts
Adewole said violent language in politics was not limited to physical attacks but included statements capable of encouraging supporters to act unlawfully.
He urged President Tinubu to publicly reject such rhetoric and send a clear message to party members nationwide.
He referenced historical examples, including the 1994 Rwandan genocide, noting that propaganda and inflammatory broadcasts played a major role in fuelling violence.
He also cited the Geneva Convention (ihl-databases.icrc.org in Bing) to argue that even warfare has limits, adding that political contests should not be treated as battles without rules.
Adewole criticised the police response to allegations of violent political statements, saying accountability should be visible. “We just need to see the man in court. That’s how you know that you are actually taking action,” he said.
He expressed particular concern about Osun State, claiming more than 40 people had lost their lives in recent political clashes.
He recalled past violence in the region, including events surrounding the killing of former Attorney‑General of the Federation, Bola Ige, who was murdered in 2001 after earlier confrontations at political rallies.
Adewole Calls for Early Preparations for 2027 Elections
Adewole said preparations for credible elections must begin long before election day, stressing that the atmosphere created by political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police and other agencies would determine the credibility of the polls.
He urged INEC to set the tone for the 2027 elections by October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day, and asked security agencies to begin enforcing standards early.
He contrasted former President Goodluck Jonathan’s approach to political conduct with what he described as the current administration’s philosophy, saying leadership language influences public behaviour.
Adewole said an SDP administration would promote peaceful elections and strengthen institutions to prevent political interference.
He promised to ensure INEC’s independence by removing presidential influence over the appointment of commissioners and the chairman.
The presidential candidate also proposed an independent Attorney‑General of the Federation, saying the office should serve the entire country rather than the executive.
He argued that institutional reforms were necessary to protect democratic processes regardless of which party controls the presidency. He added that political ambition should never cost Nigerians their lives.
Adewole acknowledged that the SDP had faced obstacles in previous elections, including issues with the uploading of polling agents.
He urged supporters not to abandon the party and encouraged them to identify the SDP logo on the ballot in upcoming elections.
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