The Peoples Democratic Party has accused the All Progressives Congress of normalising violent rhetoric in Nigerian politics, alleging that statements by some members of the ruling party are capable of heightening tension and undermining the peaceful conduct of elections.
The PDP made the allegation on Wednesday in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary of the Interim National Working Committee, Comrade Ini Ememobong, following a viral video in which Senator Francis Fadahunsi was allegedly heard making a threat to kill political opponents.
The party expressed concern that such rhetoric was coming ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election, warning that inflammatory statements could increase political tension and threaten the safety of voters and other stakeholders.
The PDP specifically demanded a transparent investigation into the alleged statement by Fadahunsi, as well as other threats capable of undermining peaceful and credible elections in Osun State.
The party said, “We specifically demand a transparent investigation of the Senator Fadahunsi incident and other threats to peaceful and transparent elections in Osun State.”
The PDP argued that elections should not be treated as a “do-or-die” contest, but as an opportunity for citizens to freely choose their leaders through the ballot.
It accused the APC of deploying what it described as “warlike rhetoric” to intimidate political opponents and influence the electorate.
The opposition party also linked Fadahunsi’s alleged remark to previous statements attributed to the APC’s presidential candidate, in which he reportedly urged political actors to fight for political power and described the contest as one in which “all is fair in politics.”
According to the PDP, such rhetoric had contributed to what it described as an unprecedented rise in the political temperature of the country.
The party called on President Bola Tinubu, the APC and their officials to desist from what it described as anti-democratic narratives and threats under the guise of political communication.
It said political communication should be characterised by civility, while election outcomes must reflect the genuine choice of voters.
The PDP further urged all political parties and government authorities to uphold democratic principles and ensure that voters could exercise their franchise without intimidation or fear.
It said, “Civility must take centre stage in our political communication, and the elections must be a true reflection of the will of the people, freely given through the ballot.”
The party described these measures as the “irreducible minimum” required of the government and political parties in the interest of democracy and national stability.
The statement came as security agencies intensified preparations for the Osun governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, with authorities warning political parties, candidates and supporters against violence, intimidation and other acts capable of disrupting the poll.
