…Urges Security Agencies to Protect Voters, Warns Against Intimidation and Electoral Violence

 

Presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress(NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the alleged inflammatory and threat-laden remarks attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election, warning that reckless political rhetoric could heighten tension and undermine the credibility of the electoral process.

Obi while writing on his X-Handle on Wednesday expressed deep concern that a serving senator and senior political figure could allegedly make statements capable of intimidating voters or encouraging confrontation at a time when political actors should be working to preserve peace and democratic confidence.

He stressed that public office comes with a responsibility to promote peace, respect democratic norms and protect citizens, particularly during elections.

According to Obi, elections should be peaceful exercises through which citizens freely choose their leaders without fear, intimidation, harassment or coercion.

He warned that threats of force or disruption undermine the integrity of the electoral process, disrespect the electorate and risk destabilising communities already experiencing heightened political tension.

Obi therefore called on Senator Fadahunsi to retract the alleged remarks and apologise to the people of Osun State if the comments are accurately reflected in the circulating reports and recordings.

He also urged political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and avoid language capable of escalating political tension before, during and after the election.

Obi called on the security agencies to closely monitor inflammatory statements and ensure equal protection for all citizens, political parties, election officials and voters, regardless of political affiliation.

He stressed that security agencies must remain professional, neutral and non-partisan and must not permit intimidation or violence to determine the outcome of the election.

The former presidential candidate urged the people of Osun State to remain calm, peaceful and resolute as they exercise their constitutional right to vote.

He maintained that the authority to determine who governs belongs exclusively to the electorate and that no individual, regardless of political status or public office, should attempt to subvert the will of the people through fear, coercion or violence.

Obi said the credibility of the Osun election would be important not only to the people of the state but also to Nigeria’s broader democratic development.

He urged all stakeholders to place the interest of Osun and Nigeria above partisan considerations and ensure that the election becomes a demonstration of what peaceful, credible and people-driven democracy should represent.

Obi concluded by stressing that getting Nigeria’s elections right remains fundamental to building the New Nigeria that is possible.