Amnesty launches petition against Fadahunsi over ‘kill Accord’ remark

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 announced the petition on Friday through a series of posts on its official X account, urging Nigerians to support its call for accountability.

Amnesty said Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, should face justice if investigations establish that his remarks amounted to incitement to violence.

It also called on the Nigeria Police Force and Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to conduct a prompt, impartial and comprehensive investigation into the comments.

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“Allegations of incitement to violence ahead of the Osun election require urgent action,” the organisation said, stressing that political disagreements should not be allowed to lead to violence.

Amnesty further said the rights of Osun residents must be protected, particularly their freedom to participate in the election and make political choices without intimidation.

The development follows a video circulated on social media earlier in the week showing Fadahunsi addressing supporters in Ilesa ahead of the election.

In the video, the senator spoke in Yoruba, with his remarks interpreted as a threat against supporters of the Accord Party.

Fadahunsi later denied advocating violence, explaining through his media office that he was referring to defeating the Accord Party through votes 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. He also urged his supporters to remain peaceful and respect voters’ rights.

The Osun State Police Command subsequently invited Fadahunsi to explain the remarks.

The invitation, dated August 11, asked him 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 spent more than two hours answering questions before leaving the command.

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According to the police, the invitation was a proactive step aimed at reducing political tension and preventing possible violence ahead of the election.

Amnesty’s petition comes as voters in Osun prepare to elect their governor on Saturday, August 15, amid heightened political activity and concerns about electoral violence.

The organisation urged Nigerians to support its campaign for accountability while calling for the protection of citizens’ rights throughout the electoral process.

The petition can be signed through Amnesty International Nigeria’s online platform.