By Sunny A. David, Awka
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has condemned what he described as inflammatory comments and threat-laden rhetoric allegedly made by Senator Francis Fadahunsi ahead of the Osun State election.
Obi said he was deeply concerned that a serving senator and senior lawmaker could make statements capable of escalating political tensions, intimidating voters or creating an atmosphere that could lead to electoral violence.
In a statement, the former Anambra State governor stressed that lawmakers have both a constitutional and moral responsibility to promote peace, uphold democratic values and foster national unity.
He described the alleged remarks as alarming and unacceptable, insisting that elections should provide citizens with a peaceful platform to freely choose their leaders without intimidation, harassment or coercion.
Obi called on Senator Fadahunsi to retract the alleged statements and apologise to the people of Osun State.
He also appealed to political leaders, stakeholders and supporters of all political parties to exercise restraint, moderate their language and remain committed to peace and democratic decorum throughout the electoral process.
The NDC presidential candidate further urged security agencies to closely monitor inflammatory statements and ensure adequate and equal protection for voters, election officials and other citizens before, during and after the election.
“The democratic mandate belongs to the people,” Obi said, warning that no individual, irrespective of political position or office, should seek to undermine the will of the electorate through fear, intimidation or coercion.
He urged the people of Osun State to remain calm, peaceful and resolute as they exercise their constitutional right to vote.
