Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has called on Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, to immediately retract what he described as “harmful” and “threat-laden” statements and tender an unreserved apology to the people of Osun State.
In a statement titled “Senator Francis Fadahunsi’s Incendiary Rhetoric Ahead of the Osun Election,” posted on his official platforms, Obi expressed deep regret and profound concern over inflammatory comments attributed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker in the lead-up to Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
Obi noted that as a high-ranking member of the National Assembly, Senator Fadahunsi bears a solemn constitutional and moral responsibility to promote peace, uphold democratic norms, and foster national unity.
“It is therefore alarming and unacceptable that a distinguished senator would deploy intimidation, incendiary remarks, or political threats capable of heightening tensions, instilling fear in voters, and potentially inciting electoral violence in Osun State,” Obi stated.
He emphasised that elections must remain a peaceful exercise of the democratic franchise, allowing citizens to freely choose their leaders without intimidation, harassment, or coercion.
“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,” Obi added.
The former Anambra State Governor therefore demanded: “I therefore respectfully demand that Senator Fadahunsi retract these harmful statements and tender an apology to the peaceful people of Osun State.”
Obi further urged all political leaders, stakeholders, and party loyalists across party lines to exercise utmost restraint, moderate their language, and recommit themselves to peace and democratic decorum.
He also called on relevant security agencies to closely monitor inflammatory statements and ensure equal protection for all citizens, election officials, and voters 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,” Obi concluded.
The call follows a viral video in which Senator Fadahunsi was heard making remarks interpreted by many as directing supporters to “kill” Accord Party members ahead of the election. The senator has since denied advocating physical violence, claiming the comments were either misrepresented, edited out of context, or referred to defeating opponents through votes or retaliating against alleged prior attacks on APC members.
The controversy has heightened political tensions in Osun State days before the governorship poll.