Otunba Emmanuel Fayose, a governorship aspirant in Ekiti State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has raised alarm over alleged threats to his life ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
In a statement released over the weekend by his media director, Wasiu Adejumo, Fayose claimed he has been receiving repeated anonymous phone calls and text messages warning him to abandon his political ambition.
According to him, intelligence reports suggest that certain political actors—both within and outside the PDP—may be behind the threats, allegedly plotting to silence him before the polls.
Fayose expressed grave concern, saying:
“Daily, I receive strange calls and text messages threatening my life and warning me to step down from the 2026 race. I am deeply concerned for my safety and that of my family. If anything happens to me, Nigerians and the international community should hold Governor Biodun Oyebanji and my elder brother, former Governor Ayodele Fayose, responsible.”
He noted that his growing popularity among the people of Ekiti might be the reason behind the alleged intimidation, warning against what he described as a dangerous trend of using fear to weaken democracy.
The PDP chieftain appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to urgently intervene and provide him with adequate security.
Emphasizing that democracy must thrive on freedom of choice rather than threats or violence, Fayose added:
“Democracy should be about free choice and the will of the people, not fear or violence. I commit to serving the Ekiti people with integrity, but cannot do so under constant threat to my life. I call on the Presidency, the NSA, and the IGP to take these threats seriously and protect me accordingly.”
He further called on Nigerians and the international community to support the people of Ekiti in safeguarding democracy, fairness, and freedom of political participation.
