Amnesty International Nigeria has launched an online petition against Senator Francis Fadahunsi over his controversial “kill Accord” comment ahead of the Osun State governorship election.
The human rights group wants Nigerians to sign the petition. It also called for an investigation into the senator’s remarks.
Amnesty said the comment could encourage violence ahead of the election.
Amnesty urged the Nigeria Police Force and Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to investigate Fadahunsi.
The group said authorities must take statements that could threaten public safety seriously.
It also called for measures to protect voters across Osun State.
According to Amnesty, political disagreements should not lead to violence or intimidation.
The controversy started after a video of Fadahunsi circulated online.
The senator spoke to supporters in Ilesa ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
In the video, he used the phrase “kill Accord” in Yoruba. Many people interpreted the statement as a threat against the Accord Party.
However, Fadahunsi later rejected that interpretation.
His media office explained that he meant defeating the Accord Party through votes.
The senator also urged his supporters to remain peaceful during the election.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Police Command invited Fadahunsi over the controversial statement.
The senator honoured the invitation on Wednesday.
Police questioned him for more than two hours before he left the command.
The police said the invitation aimed to prevent tension and possible violence before the election.
The controversy has also reached the courts.
A Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, directed the police to investigate a criminal complaint against Fadahunsi.
The court gave the police two weeks to complete the investigation and submit a report.
Pelumi Olajengbesi, a campaign spokesman for Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, filed the complaint.
He based the complaint on the senator’s viral video and the allegations surrounding his remarks.
Amnesty’s petition comes just one day before the August 15 Osun governorship election.
Political activities have increased tension across the state.
Civil society groups have also warned against violence, intimidation and inflammatory statements.
The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room identified 385 election flashpoints across Osun.
It also classified 13 of the state’s 30 local government areas as critical or high-risk areas.
Meanwhile, security agencies have promised to protect voters and maintain peace during the election.
The Amnesty petition has now added another layer to the controversy surrounding Fadahunsi’s comment.
The outcome of the police investigation could determine the next step in the matter.
For now, attention remains on the election and efforts to prevent violence across Osun State.
