By Osaretin Osadebamwen
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on Senator Francis Fadahunsi to retract his alleged inflammatory remarks and tender a public apology to the people of Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, has come under heavy criticism following the emergence of a video in which he was purportedly heard directing his supporters to “kill” members of the Accord Party ahead of the poll.
The senator, however, has denied any call for violence, clarifying that he merely instructed his supporters to “kill Accord” with votes, not through physical attacks.
In a statement titled, “Senator Francis Fadahunsi’s Incendiary Rhetoric Ahead of the Osun Election,” which he shared via his official X account on Tuesday, Obi expressed deep concern over what he termed threat-laden rhetoric capable of inflaming tensions in the state.
“As a high-ranking lawmaker representing the people in the National Assembly, Senator Fadahunsi carries a solemn constitutional and moral responsibility to promote peace, uphold democratic norms, and foster unity,” Obi stated.
He described the senator’s alleged remarks as “alarming and unacceptable,” warning that political threats and intimidation could heighten tensions, scare voters away from the polls, and potentially trigger electoral violence.
Obi emphasised that elections ought to be peaceful exercises through which citizens freely choose their leaders without coercion or intimidation.
“Resorting to threats of force or disruption undermines the integrity of our electoral process, disrespects the electorate, and threatens the fragile peace of the state,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor consequently urged Fadahunsi to withdraw the statement and apologise to the people of Osun.
“I therefore respectfully demand that Senator Fadahunsi retract these harmful statements and tender an apology to the peaceful people of Osun State,” Obi said.
He also appealed to political leaders, party supporters, and other stakeholders to moderate their language and exercise restraint as the state approaches the election.
Furthermore, Obi called on security agencies to closely monitor inflammatory statements and ensure the protection of voters, election officials, and all citizens before, during, and after the polls.
“The democratic mandate belongs to the people, and no individual, regardless of status or political office, should attempt to subvert the will of the people through fear or coercion,” he added.
