National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned what he described as inflammatory remarks attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
Obi, in a statement issued on Tuesday, expressed “deep regret and profound concern” over the remarks, warning that inflammatory political rhetoric could heighten tensions, intimidate voters and undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
According to him, Fadahunsi, as a ranking member of the National Assembly, has both a constitutional and moral obligation to promote peace, democratic values and national unity.
“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 said.
He described the alleged use of intimidation, incendiary comments and political threats as “alarming and unacceptable,” stressing that such statements could create fear among voters and potentially trigger electoral violence.
Obi maintained that elections must be conducted as a peaceful exercise of citizens’ constitutional rights, free from harassment, intimidation and coercion.
He said threats to disrupt or manipulate the electoral process would undermine the integrity of the election, disrespect the electorate and endanger the relative peace in Osun State.
The NDC presidential candidate therefore called on Fadahunsi to withdraw the alleged statements and apologise to the people of the state.
“I therefore respectfully demand that Senator Fadahunsi retract these harmful statements and tender an apology to the peaceful people of Osun State,” he said.
Obi also appealed to political leaders and supporters across party lines to exercise restraint, moderate their language and commit themselves to peaceful democratic engagement before, during and after the election.
He urged security agencies to monitor inflammatory political statements and ensure equal protection for voters, election officials and other citizens throughout the electoral period.
“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 stated.
He further urged Osun voters to remain calm and participate peacefully in the election.
“I urge the good people of Osun State to remain calm, peaceful, and resolute as they exercise their constitutional civic duty at the polls,” he said.
Obi said credible and peaceful elections remained essential to his vision of a better Nigeria, concluding that “getting elections right is a necessary step towards a New Nigeria that is POssible.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed Saturday for the Osun State governorship election.
