Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has demanded an apology from Senator Francis Fadahunsi over a controversial remark attributed to him at an APC rally in Osun, warning that inflammatory political statements could threaten peace ahead of Saturday’s election. Obi made the demand in a statement on Tuesday after a video of […]
Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has demanded an apology from Senator Francis Fadahunsi over a controversial remark attributed to him at an APC rally in Osun, warning that inflammatory political statements could threaten peace ahead of Saturday’s election.
Obi made the demand in a statement on Tuesday after a video of Fadahunsi addressing APC supporters surfaced online and triggered widespread criticism over comments interpreted as a call for violence against members of the Accord Party.
The former Anambra governor said the remarks were particularly troubling because they came from a serving senator who, in his view, had a responsibility to promote peace, democratic values and national unity. He warned that rhetoric capable of intimidating voters or heightening political tensions could have serious consequences in an already competitive election environment.
Fadahunsi subsequently clarified that his comment was intended to mean that APC supporters should “kill Accord with votes.” Obi, however, said the clarification did not erase the threat contained in the original remarks, maintaining that the language used was inflammatory and capable of creating fear among political supporters and voters.
Obi stressed that elections were supposed to provide citizens with a peaceful opportunity to choose their leaders freely. He argued that intimidation, harassment, coercion and threats of violence have no place in a democratic contest, warning that such conduct could undermine confidence in the electoral process and endanger the peace of Osun State.
The ADC candidate called on Fadahunsi to retract the statement and apologise to the people of Osun. He also urged political leaders and party supporters across the different camps to exercise restraint, avoid provocative language and uphold democratic decorum throughout the remaining period of the election campaign.
He equally called on security agencies to pay close attention to inflammatory political statements and provide equal protection for all citizens, voters and election officials. According to him, the agencies must ensure that political tensions do not translate into violence before, during or after Saturday’s poll.
Obi maintained that the democratic mandate belongs to the people and that no politician, irrespective of position or influence, should attempt to manipulate voters through fear or coercion. He urged Osun residents to remain peaceful and determined to exercise their constitutional rights at the ballot box.
The ADC candidate said ensuring that elections are conducted properly would be an important step towards building a better Nigeria, urging all stakeholders in the Osun election to prioritise peace, credible voting and respect for the will of the electorate.