Amnesty International has condemned Senator Francis Fadahunsi (APC, Osun East) for a campaign video in Ilesa where he urged supporters to “kill” Accord Party members ahead of the Osun State Governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.

In a statement on Wednesday, Amnesty International said Fadahunsi must account for his ‘reckless’ remarks, calling it a deliberate incitement to violence ahead of the Osun State Governorship election.

“Amnesty International strongly condemns Francis Fadahunsi (APC) — senator representing the Osun east senatorial district, who was on video during the campaign, instructing his supporters to kill members of the Accord Party ahead of the state’s August 15 governorship election,” the statement read.

“Senator Fadahunsi’s reckless remarks were deliberate and solely aimed at inciting a bloody poll in Osun state. The Nigerian authorities have an obligation to prohibit advocacy of hatred that constitutes incitement to hostility, discrimination or violence.

“The authorities must urgently denounce any statements, live, online or otherwise, which advocate violence. Senator Fadahunsi must be held accountable.”

The senator later clarified his Yoruba remarks as metaphorical, meaning to defeat the Accord Party at the ballot box through votes, not physical attacks, while the Osun State Police summoned him for questioning over the viral statements.

In response to the controversies, Fadahunsi denied the accusations, labeling them a “deliberate misrepresentation.” He claimed his remarks were a reaction to the “continued killing of APC members” by alleged thugs associated with the Accord Party in Ilesa.

“The video was deliberately edited to distort what I actually said,” he stated, further explaining: “What I said was that if the alleged killing of our party members by Accord Party thugs does not stop, our party will retaliate.”

The incident highlights rising election tensions in Osun, where incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke (Accord) seeks re-election against APC challengers, prompting calls from CSOs and authorities to prevent violence and ensure peaceful polls. (TheGuardian)

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