CSOs condemn Senator Fadahunsi’s call for violence

Civil Society Organisations have strongly criticized Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, the representative for Osun East Senatorial District, for his call to his supporters to attack and kill members of the Accord Party ahead of the governorship elections in Osun State. This warning, made in a viral video while campaigning in Ilesha, came in Yoruba and stated that supporters should confront any Accord Party members they encounter before the election.

Upon further clarification, Fadahunsi admitted that he meant to encourage his supporters to vote against the Accord Party through lawful, peaceful, and democratic measures during the election. Despite this clarification, the Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) denounced the senator's threat, stating that such comments could provoke tension, reduce voter turnout, and undermine the legitimacy of the election.

The CISLAC Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, emphasized that electoral violence must not be taken lightly as it can have severe consequences for Nigeria's democratic process. He warned all actors involved in violent activities, including political supporters, armed groups, and security personnel, that they must be held accountable for their actions.

The Ballot Eyes Working Group, a coalition of civil society organizations monitoring electoral integrity in Osun State, called for the arrest and prosecution of Senator Fadahunsi over his alleged inciting statement. They emphasized that his comments, given the proximity of the election, could create fear among voters and political actors, undermining the peaceful conduct of the election in a state that has seen several incidents of electoral violence recently.