Osun State — Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the 2027 presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi has strongly condemned remarks attributed to Senator Francis Ade Fadahunsi, representing Osun East.
Senator Ade Fadahunsi had urged his supporters to attack members of the Accord Party ahead of the Osun State election.
The Controversial Statement
Senator Fadahunsi told supporters on record:
“From now on, whenever you see Accord members, kill them. I authorise you to kill them.
“They have wives and children too. This is a Federal Government election.
“On election day, even if they come with voters’ card, we won’t allow them to vote.”
The incendiary comments, widely circulated on social media, have sparked outrage and raised fears of potential electoral violence in Osun State.
Peter Obi’s Response
Reacting via a public statement, Peter Obi described the senator’s rhetoric as “alarming and unacceptable,” stressing that such threats undermine Nigeria’s fragile democracy.
“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.
“It is therefore alarming and unacceptable that a distinguished senator would deploy intimidation, incendiary remarks, or political threats capable of heightening tensions, instilling fear in voters, and potentially inciting electoral violence in Osun State,” Obi said.
He emphasized that elections should be a peaceful celebration of democratic franchise, not an arena for intimidation or violence.
Obi demanded that Senator Fadahunsi retract his statements and tender an apology to the people of Osun State.
Call for Restraint and Security Oversight
Obi urged political leaders across party lines to exercise restraint and moderate their language.
He called on security agencies to closely monitor inflammatory statements and ensure equal protection for all citizens, election officials, and voters before, during, and after the polls.
“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,” Obi added.
Broader Implications
The incident has reignited concerns about political intolerance and violence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Analysts warn that unchecked rhetoric from political leaders can escalate tensions and erode public trust in democratic institutions.
Obi’s intervention is seen as a call to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy by ensuring that elections remain peaceful, credible, and reflective of the people’s will.
As Osun State prepares for its election, the controversy surrounding Senator Fadahunsi’s remarks underscores the urgent need for political actors to prioritize peace and democratic decorum.
Obi’s firm condemnation highlights the responsibility of leaders to protect Nigeria’s democracy and ensure that voters can exercise their rights free from intimidation.
