Binzak Azeez, an Osun-based legal practitioner, has condemned Senator Francis Fadahunsi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over alleged inflammatory remarks made ahead of the Osun State governorship election, describing the statements as reckless and threatening.
In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, Azeez said the alleged incitement by Fadahunsi was unjustifiable and fell below acceptable standards of political conduct. He argued that while flawed electoral processes exist across many democracies, openly threatening political opponents remains a line that politicians in developed countries do not cross.
Politicians and Electoral Violence in Nigeria
Azeez highlighted a pattern of ruthless and irresponsible behaviour by political actors during periodic elections in Nigeria. He noted that violence which marred electioneering campaigns and voting processes is orchestrated by politicians, despite their public advocacy for free, fair, and credible elections.
"The political actors have always been acting ruthlessly and irresponsibly in every periodic election in the country. It is public knowledge that the violence which marred electioneering campaigns and voting processes are orchestrated by politicians. In the public domain, most of the political actors comport themselves and act civilly by advocating for free, fair and credible elections. However, they do the contrary to their words behind the scenes," Azeez said.
He added that an average Nigerian politician only thinks about winning an election by hook or by crook. While no electioneering process is absolutely perfect across democratic nations, politicians in the US and other developed countries do not openly advocate for the killings of their political opponents, he stated.
Police Criticised Over Response
Beyond condemning Fadahunsi's remarks, Azeez directed sharp criticism at the police for their handling of the matter, saying law enforcement had not responded with the seriousness the situation required.
"The incendiary and reckless public speech made by Senator Fadahunsi only shows that Nigeria's politics has transformed into a completely dangerous state. The politicians are now more emboldened to perpetrate atrocities during elections. It's quite unfortunate that no serious legal action has been taken against the Senator. The threat made by Senator Fadahunsi against his political opponents is unjustifiable and falls below the standards of the political game. And the police authorities have failed to handle the threat professionally and responsibly," Azeez noted.
Peter Obi's Earlier Criticism
Legit.ng earlier reported that Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate, spoke out against Senator Fadahunsi over comments he described as inflammatory and threat-laden before the Osun State election. Obi called on Fadahunsi to retract his statements and apologise to the people of Osun State.
Obi also urged security agencies to monitor inflammatory rhetoric and protect voters before, during, and after the polls. The Osun State governorship election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, with heightened concerns over political violence.
