Reps group demands probe of Fadahunsi, Osun poll violence, deaths

A bipartisan coalition of Nigerian House of Representatives members, operating as the Save Democracy Group, has called for a thorough investigation into the violence and fatalities associated with the 2026 Osun State governorship election. The group stressed that political competition must never come at the cost of Nigerian lives.

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political competition must never become a justification for the loss of Nigerian lives.

The lawmakers also demanded an inquiry into a viral video purportedly showing Senator Francis Fadahunsi making comments interpreted as inciting supporters to harm members of the Accord Party in Ilesa. The group's statement, signed by leaders including Awaji-Inombek Abiante, Abubakar Kusada, and Mansur Jega, asserted that every death resulting from political violence requires investigation, with perpetrators brought to justice.

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These figures represent human beings, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, political supporters and ordinary citizens whose lives should never have been sacrificed for political ambition.

While commending Osun voters for participating despite pre-election tensions, the group expressed grave concern over the reported scale of violence. They cited Nigeria Police Force reports of investigating 30 politically motivated killings linked to the election build-up and civil society documentation of 56 violent incidents and 14 fatalities. "These figures represent human beings... whose lives should never have been sacrificed for political ambition," the lawmakers stated.

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The deployment of security personnel must not become a substitute for effective policing.

The group questioned the effectiveness of the extensive security deployment, arguing that the presence of personnel should ensure protection, not merely substitute for effective policing. They urged comprehensive investigations by the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, and the National Human Rights Commission. Regarding Senator Fadahunsi, the Save Democracy Group insisted that even with his denial, authorities must independently examine the video, its context, and the circumstances of his remarks, emphasizing the accountability of political leaders for inflammatory statements.

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Political leaders occupy positions of influence and must understand that words capable of encouraging violence can have deadly consequences in an already volatile environment.