Osun poll: No election should be conducted in fear, SERAP seeks voter protection

Amnesty International has pledged to use Senator Francis Fadahunsi as a case study in its campaign against inflammatory political rhetoric and incitement to violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State. The organization announced its stance after circulating a video allegedly depicting Fadahunsi, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging his supporters to “kill them wherever you find them” in reference to members of the Accord Party. The remarks, which were shared widely on social media, sparked outrage and led to police intervention. The Osun State Police Command summoned Fadahunsi on Tuesday and interrogated him for approximately two hours on Wednesday. During the questioning, officials reportedly sought clarification on the nature of the alleged comments. Meanwhile, Amnesty International’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, stated that the organization would leverage the case to highlight the need for accountability among politicians who make statements that could provoke violence. He emphasized that such actions violate both Nigerian and international laws, and that the organization would work to ensure that Fadahunsi faces consequences for his remarks. Sanusi explained that Amnesty International considers advocacy of hatred and incitement to violence as serious offenses requiring swift legal action. He noted that the senator's remarks were particularly egregious due to their explicit call for lethal action. “We are going to use this man as an example to show that the impunity by Nigerian politicians cannot continue,” Sanusi said. The organization plans to raise awareness of the issue internationally, aiming to deter similar behavior by political figures during future elections. Amnesty International Nigeria had previously condemned the alleged remarks, warning that authorities bear a duty to prevent hate speech and violence during electoral periods. In a statement posted on its X account, the group called for Fadahunsi to be held accountable for his actions. It described the remarks as reckless and potentially dangerous, noting that they could lead to increased tensions and even violence during the upcoming polls. The organization urged Nigerian authorities to take immediate steps to address such statements, whether they occur in person, online, or through other means. The controversy surrounding Fadahunsi comes amid a broader climate of heightened political activity in Osun State. Stakeholders, including election observers and local organizations, have expressed concerns about the potential for violence, hate speech, and intimidation to undermine the credibility of the August 15 election. Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) recently issued a statement warning that no election should be conducted in an environment of fear. The organization called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take urgent action against reports of political violence, threats, and intimidation. According to SERAP, there have been 56 politically motivated violent incidents and 14 deaths in Osun State over the past year, with 36 incidents reported in May and June alone. These incidents include shootings, killings, physical assaults, property damage, and harassment. The organization urged INEC to document these cases, investigate them thoroughly, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. SERAP also called for stronger threat assessments and improved coordination with security agencies to safeguard all participants in the electoral process. The organization emphasized that every voter in Osun State should be able to cast their ballot without fear, intimidation, or coercion. It highlighted Section 97 of the Electoral Act 2026, which explicitly prohibits threats of force or violence during political campaigns. SERAP stressed that the constitutional rights to political participation, free expression, peaceful assembly, and equal treatment must be upheld throughout the election period. The organization urged INEC and relevant authorities to take immediate steps to ensure the August 15 election proceeds in a safe and credible manner.