Civil society organisations have called on the Federal Government and law enforcement authorities to ensure the prosecution of Senator Francis Fadahunsi over alleged inciting remarks made during the recently concluded Osun State governorship election.
Federal Government Of Nigeria (FGN)
ActionAid Nigeria and the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought made the call at a joint press conference on Monday, saying decisive action in the case could help discourage politicians from using inflammatory and violent language during elections.
The organisations want the Nigeria Police Force and relevant prosecutorial authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations against Fadahunsi and prosecute him if sufficient evidence establishes an offence.
Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, was accused of telling his supporters in Yoruba to seek out and kill members and supporters of the Accord Party they encountered in the area, including voters.
Professor Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, said such alleged remarks raise serious concerns about citizens’ safety and the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
He said an allegation involving a call for people to be killed because of their political affiliation or choice should not end with an invitation or interview by the police.
Amadi urged the police to conduct a comprehensive investigation and, where evidence supports criminal charges, ensure that the case is transferred to the appropriate prosecutorial authorities.
The organisations also called on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that the investigation is conducted transparently and professionally and without political interference.
They further urged the Attorney-General of the Federation to ensure that threats, incitement and alleged attacks on citizens’ constitutional rights are dealt with in accordance with the law.
ActionAid Nigeria Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, said failure to investigate and prosecute electoral offences could encourage political actors to use threats, violence and other forms of criminality in the pursuit of political power.
He said impunity remains a major factor behind electoral violence and could weaken public confidence in elections and democratic institutions.
Mamedu also commended voters in Osun State for turning out for the governorship election but expressed concern that about one million registered voters who collected their Permanent Voter Cards did not participate.
He said some voters may have been discouraged by violence and inflammatory political rhetoric surrounding the election.
The organisations called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to strengthen its monitoring of political actors before, during and after elections and to work with security and prosecutorial authorities to address violence, intimidation and other electoral offences.
They warned against the normalisation of violent political speech ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that Nigerians must be able to support political parties and candidates of their choice without fear of attack or intimidation.
The groups also urged political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and citizens to demand peaceful political conduct and accountability from political actors.
They said the authorities should ensure that the allegations against Fadahunsi are investigated promptly, impartially and transparently, with prosecution following if the evidence establishes an offence.
