A governorship aspirant in Ekiti State under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Otunba Emmanuel Fayose, has raised serios concerns over recent threats to his life, urging the federal government and security agencies to act swiftly to ensure his safety.
In a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti at the weekend by his media director, Wasiu Adejumo, Otunba Fayose disclosed that he has received repeated anonymous threats and messages warning him to abandon his 2026 governorship ambition.
According to him, credible intelligence suggests that certain political actors, both within and outside his party, may be involved in orchestrating a plot to silence him ahead of the elections.
“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 alleged.
Otunba Fayose emphasised that his rising profile as the rallying point of opposition in Ekiti State may have provoked these threats.
He warned against the dangerous trend of political intimidation. He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, and the Inspector General of Police to urgently provide him with security protection.
“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”, Otunba Fayose stated.
The PDP hopeful reminded the public of his recent Investiture and Dinner program in London, where sons and daughters of Ekiti in the diaspora came together to celebrate, support and host him.
He described the event as a clear demonstration that his ambition is people-driven and rooted in unity, not violence.
He urged Nigerians and the international community to support the Ekiti people in defending democracy, fairness, and freedom of choice.