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Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has urged restraint ahead of the Osun State election, following an alleged inflammatory remark by Senator Francis Fadahunsi.
Obi demanded an apology from Fadahunsi over alleged threat-laden remarks which he reportedly made in a video which went viral on Tuesday.
Obi’s call came on Wednesday as the Osun State Police Command summoned Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, over a viral video in which he was allegedly heard directing supporters to “kill” members of the Accord Party.
The senator arrived in Osun and is expected to appear before the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo on Wednesday to clarify the remarks.
The police said the invitation followed information that the remarks were “threatening, inciting and intimidating in nature.”
Fadahunsi, however, has denied calling for physical violence, saying he was urging his supporters to “kill Accord” with their votes.
Reacting to the controversy in a statement titled “Senator Francis Fadahunsi’s Incendiary Rhetoric Ahead of the Osun Election,” Obi said the remarks were particularly troubling coming from a senior lawmaker.
“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,” Obi said.
He described the alleged comments as “alarming and unacceptable”, warning that inflammatory political language could heighten tensions, frighten voters and potentially trigger violence.
According to Obi, elections should provide citizens with an opportunity to freely choose their leaders rather than expose them to 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,” he said.
He added that political actors should not resort to threats or attempts to disrupt the electoral process.
The former Anambra governor therefore asked Fadahunsi to withdraw the comments and apologise to Osun residents.
Obi also appealed to political leaders, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to exercise restraint as the state heads to the polls.
He further called on security agencies to closely monitor inflammatory political statements and protect voters, election officials and other residents before, during and after the election.
The controversy comes against the backdrop of heightened political tensions in Osun ahead of the August 15 election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled the governorship poll for Saturday.
Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking a second term on the Accord Party platform, while the All Progressives Congress is fielding Bola Oyebamiji.
The African Democratic Congress is also among the major contenders.
Fadahunsi, a former member of the Peoples Democratic Party, joined the APC in February alongside other Osun lawmakers.
The move strengthened the APC ahead of its bid to reclaim the state.
The election occurs against a backdrop of prior accusations of political violence and intimidation within the state.
SENATOR FRANCIS FADAHUNSI’S INCENDIARY RHETORIC AHEAD OF THE OSUN ELECTION
I wish to express my deep regret, and profound concern regarding the recent inflammatory comments and threat-laden rhetoric attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi in the lead-up to the Osun State…
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) August 11, 2026
