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Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has demanded an apology from Senator Francis Fadahunsi over his alleged threat against Accord Party members.
Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, came under criticism after a video surfaced in which he allegedly directed his supporters to “kill” Accord Party members ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The senator, however, denied calling for physical violence, explaining that he meant his supporters should “kill Accord” with their votes.
Reacting in a statement titled, “Senator Francis Fadahunsi’s Incendiary Rhetoric Ahead of the Osun Election,” Obi described the alleged remarks as alarming and unacceptable.
He said Fadahunsi, as a senior lawmaker, had a constitutional and moral responsibility to promote peace and democratic values.
“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.
Obi warned that inflammatory political rhetoric could heighten tensions, intimidate voters and potentially trigger electoral violence.
“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.
He therefore urged the senator to withdraw the statement and apologise to Osun residents before the election.
“I therefore respectfully demand that Senator Fadahunsi retract these harmful statements and tender an apology to the peaceful people of Osun State,” Obi said.
Obi also called on political leaders, supporters and other stakeholders to moderate their language and exercise restraint as voters prepare to elect the next governor.
He urged security agencies to monitor inflammatory statements and protect voters, electoral officials and other residents before, during and after Saturday’s 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.
The former Anambra State governor also appealed to Osun residents to remain calm and exercise their constitutional right to vote peacefully.
