Amnesty International Nigeria has launched an online petition calling for action against Senator Francis Fadahunsi over comments attributed to him ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
The human rights organisation made the call on Friday through a series of posts on its official X account, urging Nigerians to sign the petition.
Amnesty said the petition seeks to ensure that Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, is held accountable for remarks the organisation described as inciting violence.
“Online petition to ensure that Sen. Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi face justice for inciting violence ahead of Osun election is ready! You can sign here,” Amnesty said.
The organisation also stressed the need to protect the rights of Osun residents to participate freely in the election without intimidation or interference.
“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,” it said.
Amnesty further called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to investigate the remarks attributed to the senator.
“Allegations of incitement to violence ahead of the Osun election require urgent action. We call for 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 said.
It added, “Political differences must never become a justification for violence.”
Fadahunsi Clarifies Comment
The development followed the circulation of a video on social media earlier in the week showing Fadahunsi addressing supporters in Ilesa ahead of the election.
The senator was heard speaking in Yoruba in comments that were interpreted as a threat against members of the Accord Party.
Following the backlash, Fadahunsi, through his media office, clarified that his remarks referred to defeating the Accord Party at the polls rather than physically attacking its members.
In a statement titled, “Kill Osun Accord with Votes, Not Violence, Senator Fadahunsi Tells APC,” the senator described the comment as political and metaphorical and denied promoting violence or intimidation.
He also urged his supporters to remain peaceful and allow voters to exercise their rights freely.
The Osun State Police Command subsequently invited Fadahunsi to clarify the remarks.
In an invitation dated August 11, the senator was directed to appear before the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo over statements the police described as potentially “threatening, inciting and intimidating.”
Fadahunsi honoured the invitation on Wednesday and was questioned by police for more than two hours before leaving the command.
The police said the invitation was a proactive measure aimed at reducing political tension and preventing violence ahead of the election.
The petition comes as voters across Osun State prepare to elect their governor on Saturday, August 15, amid heightened political tensions and concerns over electoral violence.
