Photo: Mr Peter Obi
By: Chika Joseph
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has condemned what he described as “inflammatory comments and threat-laden rhetoric” attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi ahead of the Osun State governorship election.
Obi, in a statement, expressed concern that a serving senator and senior lawmaker could make remarks capable of heightening political tensions, intimidating voters or potentially inciting electoral violence.
He stressed that politicians, particularly elected lawmakers, have a constitutional and moral responsibility to promote peace, protect democratic values and encourage citizens to participate freely in the electoral process.
According to Obi, statements that could be interpreted as threats or attempts to intimidate political opponents are “alarming and unacceptable,” especially at a time when political activities are intensifying across Osun State.
The former Anambra State governor urged political leaders and their supporters to exercise restraint and avoid utterances capable of creating fear or undermining confidence in the electoral process.
The controversy comes against the backdrop of heightened political competition ahead of the Osun governorship election, with the All Progressives Congress (APC), Accord and other political parties stepping up their campaigns.
Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, has been a prominent figure in the APC’s campaign in the state.
He defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in 2025 and subsequently secured the APC’s senatorial ticket for Osun East ahead of the 2027 National Assembly elections.
In April, Fadahunsi declared that the APC would work to prevent incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke from returning to the Government House, while backing the party’s governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
Political tensions in Osun have also generated concerns over security. The state government has previously accused some opposition figures, including
Fadahunsi, of contributing to the atmosphere surrounding political violence—allegations the affected individuals and political camps have disputed.
The situation has heightened calls from stakeholders for political parties and their supporters to campaign on issues rather than resort to threats, personal attacks or inflammatory language.
The Osun governorship election is scheduled for August 15, 2026, and security and electoral stakeholders have continued to emphasise the need for a peaceful, credible and transparent exercise.
Recent security concerns have included an attack on an INEC registration/PVC distribution facility in the state, where PVCs and BVAS devices were reportedly stolen.
Obi therefore urged all political actors in Osun to place the interests and safety of the electorate above partisan ambitions, warning that political competition must not be allowed to degenerate into violence or intimidation.
He maintained that elections should be won through persuasion, policies and the freely expressed will of the people, rather than through threats or inflammatory rhetoric.
The development adds to the growing political tension surrounding the Osun poll, with stakeholders expected to demonstrate greater restraint as the election approaches.
