BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged Senator Francis Fadahunsi to withdraw his alleged inflammatory remarks ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election and apologise to the people of the state.

Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, came under criticism after a video surfaced in which he was allegedly heard telling his supporters to “kill” members of the Accord Party ahead of the election.

The senator, however, denied calling for physical violence, explaining that his instruction was to “kill Accord” with votes rather than through attacks on its members.

Reacting in a statement titled “Senator Francis Fadahunsi’s Incendiary Rhetoric Ahead of the Osun Election” and posted on his official X account on Tuesday, Obi expressed concern over what he described as threat-laden political rhetoric capable of heightening 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 said.

He described the alleged remarks as “alarming and unacceptable,” warning that inflammatory political statements could intimidate voters, increase tensions and potentially trigger electoral violence.

According to Obi, elections should remain peaceful democratic exercises in which citizens freely choose their leaders without fear, intimidation 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,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor therefore called on Fadahunsi to retract the statement and apologise to Osun residents.

“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 urged political leaders, party supporters and other stakeholders to moderate their language and exercise restraint as the state approaches the election.

Obi called on security agencies to monitor inflammatory statements and take necessary measures to protect voters, electoral officials and other citizens before, during and after the poll.

“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 said.

He appealed to Osun residents to remain calm and peaceful while exercising their constitutional right to vote on Saturday.

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