Amnesty initiates online petition against Fadahunsi over ‘kill Accord’ comment

Amnesty International Nigeria has launched an online petition urging for action against Senator Francis Fadahunsi over his alleged comments inciting violence ahead of Osun State's gubernatorial election. The petition, posted on Friday, calls for Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, to face justice for the remarks.

Amnesty stressed the importance of upholding the human rights of Osun residents to freely participate in the election without any interference. The organization also demanded an urgent, impartial, and thorough investigation into the reported remarks and called for accountability if a criminal offence is proven. The petition can be signed via the following link: https://join.amnesty.org.ng/page/198831/petition/1.

The controversy began after a video surfaced showing Fadahunsi addressing supporters in Yoruba, with his words interpreted as a threat against members of the Accord Party. Fadahunsi later clarified that he was referring to defeating the Accord Party through votes and not through violence. Despite the clarification, he was invited by the Osun State Police Command to clarify the remarks, which he appeared before the State Criminal Investigation Department on Wednesday.

The election is set to take place on August 15 amid heightened political tensions and concerns over electoral violence.