Amnesty International Nigeria has launched an online petition urging the public to demand accountability from Senator Francis Fadahunsi of Osun East Senatorial District over remarks the human rights group described as incitement to violence ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election. The organisation made the appeal on Friday through its official X account, calling on Nigerians to sign the petition as voters prepared to head to the polls.
Petition Calls for Justice Over Inciting Remarks
In its post, Amnesty International Nigeria wrote: "Online petition to ensure that Sen. Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi face justice for inciting violence ahead of Osun election is ready! You can sign here." The group also called on the Nigeria Police Force and Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to conduct "a prompt, impartial and thorough investigation into the reported remarks attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi and accountability where the evidence establishes a criminal offence."
The organisation stressed the importance of protecting the rights of Osun residents to vote freely, stating: "The human rights of the people of Osun state must be upheld and protected. People must be free to vote — without anything or anyone undermining their right to make political choices."
Controversy Over Video and Senator's Denial
The controversy stems from a video that circulated online earlier in the week, showing Fadahunsi speaking in Yoruba to supporters in Ilesa. The remarks were widely interpreted as a threat against members of the Accord Party. In response, the senator's media office released a statement titled "Kill Osun Accord with Votes, Not Violence, Senator Fadahunsi Tells APC," insisting the comment was political and metaphorical. Fadahunsi urged his supporters to keep the peace and allow voters to exercise their rights without interference.
Police Question Senator for Over Two Hours
Despite the denial, the Osun State Police Command moved to address the matter independently. In an invitation dated August 11, the command asked Fadahunsi to appear before the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo over statements it described as potentially "threatening, inciting and intimidating." Fadahunsi honoured the invitation on August 12 and was questioned by officers for more than two hours. Police described the exercise as a proactive step to ease political tension in the state before election day.
The Osun governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, amid growing concerns over the security situation and the potential for electoral violence. Amnesty International's petition and the police investigation highlight the heightened tensions surrounding the election, with the group emphasising the need for accountability and the protection of voters' rights.
