Ahead of the 2027 General elections, ActionAid Nigeria and the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought have called on the Nigeria Police Force and relevant prosecutorial authorities to see to it that Senator Francis Fadahunsi us investigated and prosecuted over alleged insightful statement against members and supporters of the Accord Party during the just-concluded Osun State governorship election.

They stressed that the Senator’s prosecution will dissuade politicians against what they described as the growing normalisation of violent rhetoric in Nigeria’s political space.

The organisations who made the call at a joint press conference yesterday warned that if peradventure the Osun State government decide to to withdraw the case against the lawmaker, they will ensure their legal team file charges against him .

The Director of Abuja School of Social and Political Thought Prof Sam Amadi while reading out the text of the Press conference recalled that Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, told his supporters in Yoruba to seek out and kill members of the Accord Party they encountered in the area, including voters.

He said the alleged statement, raised serious concerns about the safety of citizens and the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process, saying “Openly calling for citizens to be killed because of their political affiliation or choices raises serious questions under Nigeria’s criminal laws and must be addressed promptly through due process.”

While acknowledging reports that the police had interviewed Fadahunsi but said the matter should not end with the interview as thorough investigation should be conducted and where sufficient evidence establishes an offence they must ensure that appropriate charges are filed.

The organisations also called on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that the investigation was conducted transparently, professionally and without political interference, adding that the case file should be transmitted to the appropriate prosecutorial authorities where necessary.

They further urged the Attorney-General of the Federation to ensure that threats, incitement and attacks on citizens’ constitutional rights were addressed without fear or favour.

Also speaking, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria Andrew Mamedu said, failure to investigate and prosecute electoral offences creates incentives for political actors to resort to threats, violence and other forms of criminality in pursuit of political power.

Mentioning that impunity remained a major factor contributing to electoral violence and could weaken public confidence in elections and democratic institutions, he stressed that aim is to ensure that Nigeria citizens perform their civic responsibility without fear of being attacked.

He urged relevant authorities to apply the law equally to all political actors, irrespective of party affiliation, position or influence.

Dr Mamedu however commended the people of Osun State for the large turn out during the just concluded elections but expressed concern that about one million registered voters who collected their Permanent Voter Cards did not participate in the election, saying some voters might have been discouraged by violence and violent rhetoric preceding the election.

He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to strengthen its monitoring of political actors before, during and after elections and work with relevant institutions to address violence, intimidation and other electoral offences.

The organisations warned against normalising violent political speech ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that citizens must be able to associate with political parties, express their views and support candidates of their choice without fear of violence or intimidation.

They said free and fair elections were not only about voting but also about creating an environment where citizens could freely exercise their political rights.

The groups said they would continue to monitor developments in Osun State and keep a watching brief on allegations of threats or electoral violence involving Fadahunsi or any other political actor.

They called on civil society organisations, the media, political parties, security agencies and citizens to demand peaceful politics, justice and accountability.

They said, “No one should be above the law, and no one should be below its protection.”

The organisations therefore urged the police and appropriate prosecutorial authorities to ensure a prompt, impartial and transparent investigation into the statements attributed to Fadahunsi and prosecute him where the evidence establishes an offence. (The Guardian)

Update news