The Governorship Candidate of the Accord Party in Ekiti State, Opeyemi David Falegan, has condemned calls or wishes for the death of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing such utterances as unacceptable and contrary to the spirit of patriotism.
Falegan, in a statement on Monday, said Nigerians had every right to criticise government policies, demand accountability and oppose the administration politically, but warned that political disagreements should not degenerate into hatred or dehumanisation.
According to him, patriotism should not be measured by the level of hatred expressed against those in power, but by citizens’ commitment to the peace, progress, dignity and future of Nigeria, even when they strongly disagree with those governing the country.
“Patriotism is not measured by the hatred we express toward those who lead us. It is measured by our commitment to the peace, progress, dignity, and future of our nation—even when we strongly disagree with those in power,” he said.
The Ekiti-born politician noted that democracy guarantees citizens the right to question government policies, criticise leaders, demand accountability, support opposition parties and express legitimate political differences.
He, however, stressed that such rights should not be used to justify wishing death on another person.
“To those who wish death upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I say this with conviction: wishing death upon your President does not make you patriotic,” Falegan declared.
He said Nigerians could disagree with Tinubu’s policies, demand better performance, support another candidate or political party and criticise his decisions without resorting to hateful rhetoric.
“But there is a line between political disagreement and dehumanization,” he warned.
Falegan further argued that Nigeria was bigger than any political party, administration, election or individual, stressing that the country belonged to all Nigerians.
He urged citizens and political actors to be mindful of their language, particularly during periods of heightened political tension, saying words could either promote national healing or deepen existing divisions.
“Leadership can be challenged without hatred. A responsible citizen does not have to agree with a government to love the country,” he said.
The Accord candidate maintained that Nigerians could remain patriotic while strongly criticising those in government, adding that constructive criticism, peaceful protests, investigative journalism, civic engagement and democratic opposition remained legitimate tools for demanding accountability.
He called for a political culture in which disagreements were expressed through democratic and peaceful means rather than personal attacks or wishes of harm.
