Amnesty International Nigeria has launched an online petition seeking action against Senator Francis Fadahunsi over remarks allegedly capable of inciting violence ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State.
The human rights organisation urged Nigerians to sign the petition in a series of posts on its official X account on Friday, saying the move was intended to ensure that Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, is held accountable if investigations establish that he committed a criminal offence.
“Online petition to ensure that Sen. Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi faces justice for inciting violence ahead of Osun election is ready! You can sign here,” Amnesty said.
The organisation also called on authorities to protect the rights of Osun residents to participate freely in the election without intimidation or violence.
“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 specifically urged the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to conduct a prompt, impartial and thorough investigation into the remarks attributed to the senator.
“Allegations of incitement to violence ahead of the Osun election require urgent action,” the organisation said, adding that political differences should never be used to justify violence.
The controversy followed a video circulated 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 widely interpreted as a threat against members of the Accord Party.
Fadahunsi subsequently clarified the remarks through his media office, insisting that he was referring to defeating the Accord Party through votes and not physically attacking its members.
In a statement titled “Kill Osun Accord with Votes, Not Violence, Senator Fadahunsi Tells APC,” the senator described his comment as political and metaphorical, while denying any intention to promote violence or intimidation.
He also appealed to his supporters to remain peaceful and allow voters to exercise their rights freely.
The Osun State Police Command later invited Fadahunsi to explain the remarks.
The invitation, dated August 11, directed him to appear before the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo over statements described by the police as potentially “threatening, inciting and intimidating.”
Fadahunsi honoured the invitation on Wednesday and was questioned for more than two hours before leaving the command.
The police said the invitation was a proactive step aimed at reducing political tension ahead of the election.
The Amnesty petition comes as voters across Osun prepare to elect their governor on Saturday, August 15, amid heightened political activities and concerns over possible electoral violence.
