Amnesty International to use senator as example over alleged 'kill' comment

Amnesty International Nigeria has vowed to make an example of Senator Francis Fadahunsi over alleged inflammatory remarks made ahead of the Osun State governorship election.

Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, faces scrutiny after a campaign video surfaced, purportedly showing him telling supporters to "kill" members of the Accord Party. He has since denied advocating for physical violence, stating his comment was a metaphor for defeating the Accord Party through votes.

Isa Sanusi, Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, condemned the senator's alleged remarks, calling them "exceptional" and a crime under international and Nigerian law. Sanusi announced the organization's intention to use this incident to challenge the impunity of Nigerian politicians.

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We are going to use him as an example because this is the first time. We had so many other terrible politicians say terrible things ahead of elections, but this one is exceptional. A situation whereby somebody came out on record saying ‘kill them wherever you find them’, I believe that that person does not deserve any peace again because advocacy of hatred is a crime under international law as well as Nigerian laws.

"We are going to use him as an example because this is the first time. We had so many other terrible politicians say terrible things ahead of elections, but this one is exceptional," Sanusi stated on Channels Television. "A situation whereby somebody came out on record saying ‘kill them wherever you find them’, I believe that that person does not deserve any peace again because advocacy of hatred is a crime under international law as well as Nigerian laws."

Amnesty International plans to expand its campaign beyond Nigeria by identifying politicians who promote electoral violence on an international scale. "We will do an international name-and-shame of those advocating for electoral violence," Sanusi added. "Amnesty International has branches in 150 countries. We will ensure they are named and shamed in those countries and alert their governments to how dangerous these people are."

The organization stressed the importance of accountability for inflammatory statements, particularly with the 2027 general elections approaching, to discourage political actors from making comments that could incite violence. Senator Fadahunsi was questioned by the Osun State Police Command following the controversy, where he reiterated his claim that his remarks were misinterpreted.

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We will do an international name-and-shame of those advocating for electoral violence. Amnesty International has branches in 150 countries. We will ensure they are named and shamed in those countries and alert their governments to how dangerous these people are.