Amnesty International Seeks Justice for Fadahunsi's Alleged Inciting Comments

As the Osun State governorship election approaches, Amnesty International Nigeria has launched an online petition calling for Senator Francis Fadahunsi to face justice over comments he made that were perceived as inciting violence. The human rights organisation took to its official social media account to invite Nigerians to sign the petition, which aims to ensure that Fadahunsi is held accountable for his remarks. According to Amnesty, the senator's comments, which were made in a video that circulated on social media, could undermine the rights of Osun residents to participate freely in the election. '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 organisation stated. Amnesty also called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to investigate the remarks attributed to Fadahunsi, stressing that 'allegations of incitement to violence ahead of the Osun election require urgent action.' The development follows a video that showed Fadahunsi addressing supporters in Ilesa ahead of the election, where he was heard speaking in Yoruba in remarks that were interpreted as a threat against members of the Accord Party. Although Fadahunsi later clarified that he was referring to defeating the Accord Party with votes and not physically attacking its members, the Osun State Police Command invited him to clarify the remarks. Fadahunsi honoured the invitation and was questioned by the police for over two hours. The petition comes as Osun voters prepare to elect their governor on Saturday, August 15, amid heightened political tensions and concerns over electoral violence. 'Political differences must never become a justification for violence,' Amnesty added, as it urged Nigerians to sign the online petition to ensure that Fadahunsi faces justice for his alleged inciting comments.