By Michael Ovat
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.
