Amnesty International Nigeria has launched an online petition seeking 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 posts on its official social media platform, urging Nigerians to support the petition.
Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, had come under criticism following a video circulated on social media in which he addressed supporters in Ilesa ahead of the election.
Amnesty described the senator’s reported remarks as potentially inciting and called for an investigation to determine whether they amounted to a criminal offence.
The organisation said, “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.”
It also urged the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to investigate the matter.
Amnesty stressed that political disagreements should not be allowed to threaten the safety or democratic rights of residents.
The organisation said, “Political differences must never become a justification for violence.”
It further called for the protection of voters, insisting that residents should be allowed to participate in the election without intimidation or interference.
According to Amnesty, “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.”
The controversy followed a video in which Fadahunsi was heard speaking in Yoruba in remarks interpreted by some as a threat against supporters of the Accord Party.
However, the senator later clarified the statement through his media office, saying 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,” Fadahunsi described his remarks as political and metaphorical and denied promoting violence or intimidation.
The senator also appealed to his supporters to remain peaceful and respect voters’ rights.
Following the controversy, the Osun State Police Command invited Fadahunsi to appear before the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo.
The invitation, dated August 11, stated that he was required to clarify remarks considered 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 action was preventive and aimed at reducing political tension ahead of the governorship election.
The development comes as Osun voters prepare to elect their governor on Saturday, August 15, amid concerns over political tension and possible electoral violence.
