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Amnesty International Nigeria has launched an online petition calling for action against Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi over remarks attributed to him ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
The human rights organisation, in posts on its official X account on Friday, urged Nigerians to sign the petition and support its demand for accountability over comments it said could incite violence. Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, had come under scrutiny after a video circulated on social media showing him speaking in Yoruba while addressing supporters in Ilesa. His remarks were interpreted by critics as a call to “kill” the Accord Party.
Amnesty called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to conduct a prompt and impartial investigation, stressing that political differences must not become a justification for violence. It also said residents of Osun should be able to participate in the electoral process without fear, intimidation or threats.
Fadahunsi, however, denied advocating physical violence. In a statement issued through his media office titled “Kill Osun Accord with Votes, Not Violence, Senator Fadahunsi Tells APC,” the senator explained that his comment was political and metaphorical, insisting that he meant defeating the Accord Party at the polls. He also urged his supporters to remain peaceful.
The controversy had earlier prompted the Osun State Police Command to invite Fadahunsi for questioning over statements it described as potentially threatening, inciting and intimidating. The senator honoured the invitation on Wednesday and reportedly spent more than two hours answering questions before leaving the command.
The police described the invitation as a proactive measure aimed at preventing political tension from escalating ahead of the election. Amnesty’s petition comes as political activities intensify across the state, with the organisation urging authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly and take appropriate action if the allegations are established.
