Osun: Lawyers give INEC, police 7-day ultimatum over killings

A coalition of public interest lawyers and advocates has demanded that Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force investigate alleged incitement and killings connected to the Osun State governorship election. The group, known as COPA, issued a seven-day ultimatum for action, stating the matter transcends political interests and concerns the sanctity of human life and electoral integrity.

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It concerns the sanctity of human life, the integrity of our electoral system and the fundamental principle that nobody is above the law.

COPA presented three videos it claims circulated during the election campaign. One video, attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi, allegedly contained statements encouraging supporters to attack members of the Accord Party. The coalition reported that following this statement, significant political violence erupted in Ilesa and surrounding areas, resulting in the deaths of more than nine people.

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More disturbing is the video attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi, a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Following this statement, Ilesa and surrounding areas witnessed serious political violence in which more than nine persons were reportedly killed. We consider this an extremely grave matter.

"Where a serving Senator is recorded allegedly telling supporters to kill members of an opposing political party, and people subsequently lose their lives in election-related violence, the institutions established by law cannot simply look away," said COPA Coordinator Ajibola Bello during a press conference in Abuja. The coalition also pointed to statements attributed to Hon. Wole Oke, a prominent figure in the APC governorship campaign, and Francis Eniade. Videos linked to Oke allegedly contained threats against those opposing his political stance, while Eniade's statements were said to discourage Accord Party members from voting. COPA noted that violence, including a citizen's death, occurred in Oke's hometown of Esa-Oke.

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Where a serving Senator is recorded allegedly telling supporters to kill members of an opposing political party, and people subsequently lose their lives in election-related violence, the institutions established by law cannot simply look away.

While cautioning that the statements alone do not establish criminal responsibility, Bello emphasized that they provide sufficient grounds for a "thorough and impartial investigation." The coalition stressed that the determination of criminal liability rests with investigators and the courts. COPA's ultimatum calls for prompt action to address the alleged incitement and violence, underscoring the need for accountability in the electoral process.

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Where Tinubu is, is where I am. Anyone who goes against Tinubu should be ready to face the consequences. We won’t say more than that.