Osun Election: Peter Obi Condemns Fadahunsi’s ‘Kill Accord’ Remark, Demands Immediate Apology

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on Senator Francis Fadahunsi to withdraw and apologise for remarks interpreted as an incitement to violence against members of the Accord Party ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.

Fadahunsi reportedly made the comments on Tuesday at an All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally, after which a video of his remarks circulated widely online.

Although the senator later explained that he was urging supporters to “kill Accord with votes”, rather than resort to physical violence, Obi said the choice of words remained disturbing, particularly given the tense political atmosphere surrounding the election.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the former Anambra State governor said he received the remarks with “deep regret” and “profound concern.”

Obi argued that Fadahunsi, as a senior lawmaker, had both a constitutional and moral obligation to promote peaceful political participation and uphold democratic principles.

He described the reported comments as “alarming and unacceptable”, warning that language capable of intimidating voters or heightening political tension had no place in a democratic election.

According to Obi, political leaders must carefully consider the potential consequences of their statements, especially during election periods when tensions are often heightened.

He maintained that despite Fadahunsi’s subsequent clarification, the original wording could still be interpreted as threatening.

Obi: Elections Must Be Free From Intimidation

The NDC presidential candidate described elections as a peaceful democratic process through which citizens freely choose their leaders without fear, intimidation or coercion.

He warned that inflammatory rhetoric could weaken public confidence in the electoral process and pose a threat to peace.

“Elections are a celebration of democratic franchise,” Obi said, stressing that voters should be able to exercise their rights without intimidation, harassment or coercion.

He cautioned that political threats or efforts to interfere with the electoral process could undermine the credibility of the election and disregard the will of the electorate.

Obi therefore urged Fadahunsi to retract the controversial remarks and apologise to the people of Osun State.

He also appealed to politicians, party officials and supporters across the political divide to show restraint and avoid provocative statements as the state approaches the election.

According to him, preserving peace should take priority over partisan political interests.

Security Agencies Urged to Act

Obi further called on security agencies to closely monitor inflammatory statements and ensure adequate protection for voters, electoral officials and other citizens before, during and after the election.

He insisted that the authority to determine who governs Osun State rests solely with the electorate.

“The democratic mandate belongs to the people,” Obi said, stressing that no political officeholder should attempt to influence voters through fear, threats or coercion.

He urged residents of Osun State to remain peaceful and turn out to exercise their constitutional right to vote.