The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has expressed concern over what he described as “inflammatory comments and threat-laden rhetoric” attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi ahead of the Osun State election.
Obi, in a statement, said he was deeply concerned that a serving senator and senior lawmaker would make remarks capable of heightening political tensions, intimidating voters or potentially inciting electoral violence.
According to him, lawmakers have a constitutional and moral responsibility to promote peace, uphold democratic norms and foster unity, making such rhetoric “alarming and unacceptable.”
He stressed that elections should be peaceful exercises through which citizens freely choose their leaders without intimidation, harassment or coercion.
Obi therefore called on Fadahunsi to retract the alleged statements and apologise to the people of Osun State.
He also urged political leaders, stakeholders and party supporters across party lines to exercise restraint, moderate their language and recommit themselves to peace and democratic decorum.
The former Anambra State governor called on security agencies to closely monitor inflammatory statements and ensure equal protection for citizens, election officials and voters before, during and after the polls.
“The democratic mandate belongs to the people,” Obi said, warning that no individual, regardless of political status or office, should attempt to subvert the will of the electorate through fear or coercion.
He urged the people of Osun State to remain calm, peaceful and resolute as they exercise their constitutional right to vote.
Full Statement
INCENDIARY RHETORIC AHEAD OF THE OSUN ELECTION
I wish to express my deep regret, and profound concern regarding the recent inflammatory comments and threat-laden rhetoric attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi in the lead-up to the Osun State election on Saturday.
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. 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.
Elections are meant to be a celebration of democratic franchise – a peaceful exercise through which citizens 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.
I therefore respectfully demand that Senator Fadahunsi retract these harmful statements and tender an apology to the peaceful people of Osun State.
All political leaders, stakeholders, and party loyalists across party lines must exercise the utmost restraint, moderate their language, and recommit themselves to peace and democratic decorum.
The relevant security agencies must 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.
I urge the good people of Osun State to remain calm, peaceful, and resolute as they exercise their constitutional civic duty at the polls.
Getting elections right is a necessary step towards a New Nigeria that is POssible. -PO