Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has issued a firm and unflinching demand to Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, to retract what he described as "harmful" and "inflammatory" remarks and tender a public apology to the people of Osun State, just days before the state's crucial governorship election. The demand, contained in a statement titled "Senator Francis Fadahunsi's Incendiary Rhetoric Ahead of the Osun Election" and posted on Obi's official X account on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, comes in the wake of a viral video in which the senator was allegedly heard directing his supporters to "kill" members of the Accord Party.
Fadahunsi, who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and a vocal supporter of the party's governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, has since denied any call for physical violence, clarifying that he meant his supporters should "kill Accord with votes". But Obi, who has consistently positioned himself as a voice for democratic accountability and peaceful transitions, was not mollified. In his statement, he described the senator's alleged remarks as "alarming and unacceptable," warning that such political threats and intimidation could heighten tensions, frighten voters and potentially trigger electoral violence.
"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 added that elections should be conducted as peaceful exercises through which citizens freely choose their leaders without intimidation or coercion. "Resorting to threats of force or disruption undermines the integrity of our electoral process, disrespects the electorate, and threatens the fragile peace of the state," Obi declared.
The former Anambra State governor therefore urged Fadahunsi to withdraw the statement and apologise to Osun residents before the election. "I therefore respectfully demand that Senator Fadahunsi retract these harmful statements and tender an apology to the peaceful people of Osun State," Obi said.
Obi also called on political leaders, party supporters and other stakeholders to moderate their language and exercise restraint as the state approaches the election. He further urged security agencies to closely monitor inflammatory statements and ensure the protection of voters, election officials and other citizens 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 said. He appealed to Osun residents to remain calm and peaceful while exercising their constitutional right to vote on Saturday.
The controversy surrounding Fadahunsi's comments has escalated rapidly, drawing widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum. Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking re-election on the Accord Party platform, formally requested that the Inspector-General of Police investigate the viral clip, accusing Fadahunsi of inciting violence and "genocide" against members of the Accord Party. The Imole Campaign Council, Governor Adeleke's re-election organisation, also demanded the senator's immediate arrest and prosecution, describing the video as "gravely alarming and disturbing". The council alleged that the senator's remarks confirmed weeks of intelligence about the importation of thugs, hoodlums and fake policemen into Ilase, the senator's hometown, and other parts of Ijeshaland.
The Osun State Police Command has also moved swiftly. In a letter dated August 11, 2026, the police invited Fadahunsi to "clarify the circumstances" surrounding his statements. The letter, signed by Commissioner of Police Elections in Osun State, Samuel Etaifo Erale, ordered the senator to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo on Wednesday, August 12, at 11:00 a.m.. The police said the invitation was "premised on information in possession of the Nigeria Police alleging that during your address at the aforementioned programme, you made statements considered to be threatening, inciting and intimidating in nature".
The Osun governorship election, scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, has been marked by rising tensions, with allegations of political violence, police harassment and intimidation of opposition supporters. The election pits incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party against the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and other contenders. The contest has drawn national attention, with political actors and observers warning of the potential for violence and the need for a peaceful and credible electoral process.
Obi's intervention is significant, coming from a presidential candidate who has consistently advocated for electoral integrity and peaceful democratic transitions. His demand that Fadahunsi retract his statements and apologise to the people of Osun State reflects a broader concern about the use of inflammatory language in the lead-up to elections and the potential for such rhetoric to incite violence. The NDC presidential candidate's statement also serves as a reminder that political leaders, regardless of their status, have a responsibility to promote peace and uphold democratic norms.
Fadahunsi has yet to publicly respond to Obi's demand. However, his earlier clarification that he meant "kill Accord with votes" suggests that he may seek to defend his remarks as a political metaphor rather than a literal call to violence. Critics have argued, however, that such language, even if intended metaphorically, is reckless in a political environment already fraught with tension and violence.
As Osun State prepares for the governorship election, Obi's demand for a retraction and apology has added to the growing chorus of voices calling for restraint and peaceful conduct. The senator's response, or lack thereof, will be closely watched, as will the police investigation into his remarks. For the people of Osun State, who have endured political violence and intimidation in the lead-up to the poll, the hope is that the election will be decided at the ballot box, not on the streets.
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