Amnesty initiates online petition against Fadahunsi over ‘kill Accord’ comment

Amnesty International Nigeria has initiated an online petition to hold Senator Francis Fadahunsi accountable for remarks perceived as inciting violence ahead of the Osun State governorship election. The human rights organization stated on its official X account that the petition aims to ensure Fadahunsi faces justice for the alleged inciting comments.

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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 International emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of Osun residents to participate freely in the election without intimidation. The organization urged the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police to conduct a prompt, impartial, and thorough investigation into the senator's reported remarks, stressing that political differences should never justify violence.

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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 stems from a video circulating on social media showing Fadahunsi addressing supporters in Ilesa. His remarks, made in Yoruba, were interpreted as a threat against members of the Accord Party. However, Fadahunsi's media office later issued a statement clarifying that he meant to defeat the Accord Party through votes, not physical attacks, describing the comment as political and metaphorical.

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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.

Following the backlash, the Osun State Police Command summoned Senator Fadahunsi to clarify his statements. The invitation directed him to appear before the State Criminal Investigation Department regarding remarks described by the police as potentially "threatening, inciting and intimidating." Fadahunsi reportedly honored the invitation and was questioned by the police.

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Political differences must never become a justification for violence.