By Osaretin Osadebamwen
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, Tunde Bank-Anthony, has condemned controversial comments attributed to Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi during the run-up to the Osun State governorship election, calling for consequences for statements capable of inflaming political tensions.
Bank-Anthony, who spoke during a television interview, said he personally condemned the remarks and insisted that political leaders must be conscious of the influence their statements could have on younger people entering politics.
Fadahunsi is the current senator serving in the red chamber of the national assembly as the Senator representing the Osun East Senatorial District.
“In the run-up to the elections in Osun, I condemn what he said,” Bank-Anthony said.
He described the comments as inappropriate, arguing that they did not represent the kind of political conduct that should be encouraged in a democratic society.
According to him, political actors have a responsibility to demonstrate restraint, particularly during periods of heightened electoral tension.
“It is not a good sign to the upcoming politicians, to the young people who are coming into politics,” he said.
Bank-Anthony stressed that his criticism was his personal position and that he was not speaking on behalf of the APC.
“But for me, as an individual, not speaking for APC, it’s a total, total no pass for me, to be sincere,” he said.
He also suggested that senior figures within the party could publicly address the controversy, mentioning the party’s leadership and former Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola among those who could comment on the matter.
Bank-Anthony further rejected the suggestion that Fadahunsi’s subsequent response amounted to a sufficient apology.
He argued that withdrawing or denying responsibility for controversial remarks was different from openly expressing regret and taking responsibility.
According to him, the senator should publicly apologise and seek forgiveness.
The APC chieftain went further to call for consequences for statements that could threaten electoral peace.
“There must be consequences for actions. There must be,” he said.
He argued that Nigeria’s electoral democracy would continue to suffer if individuals were allowed to make inflammatory statements without facing consequences.
“We will get away with it if we don’t make examples of people where there are consequences for actions,” he added.
Bank-Anthony said relevant security authorities could act where necessary, stressing that the responsibility for enforcing the law should not be ignored.
His comments came amid broader discussions about electoral violence surrounding the Osun election and the need for political parties and their supporters to commit themselves to peaceful campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The APC chieftain also backed calls for the National Peace Committee to do more than organise ceremonial signing of peace agreements, saying political actors should be held to the commitments they make.
The development adds pressure on political parties to address inflammatory rhetoric as the 2027 electoral season gathers momentum, particularly following renewed calls for issue-based campaigns and peaceful elections.
