Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has condemned what he described as inflammatory and threat-laden comments attributed to Sen. Francis Fadahunsi ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
Obi, in a statement posted on X, said the remarks were concerning because of Fadahunsi’s position as a member of the National Assembly and the potential for inflammatory rhetoric to heighten tensions and incite electoral violence.
He said lawmakers and other political leaders have a responsibility to promote peace, uphold democratic principles and protect voters from intimidation or coercion.
“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,” Obi said.
He called on Fadahunsi to retract the comments and apologise to the people of Osun State.
Obi also urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to moderate their language and avoid statements capable of provoking violence before, during or after the election.
He called on security agencies to monitor inflammatory statements and ensure equal protection for voters, electoral officials and other stakeholders.
The former governor urged Osun residents to remain calm and exercise their right to vote peacefully, stressing that no political leader should attempt to influence the outcome of an election through fear or coercion.
“The democratic mandate belongs to the people,” Obi said.
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