Osun Election: NHRC Demands Arrest of Senator Fadahunsi Over 'Kill Accord Members' Video
Abuja, Nigeria - The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for the immediate suspension and arrest of Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, over a viral video where he allegedly told his supporters to kill members of the Accord Party ahead of Saturday's governorship election in Osun State.
In a statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, the Commission described the lawmaker's words as a direct incitement to murder, electoral violence, and voter intimidation. The NHRC has urged the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest, investigate, and prosecute the Senator without delay.
What Did Senator Fadahunsi Say in the Viral Video?
According to the NHRC, the video shows the Senator instructing his supporters to attack members of the Accord Party. The translated remarks include: “From now on, whenever you see Accord members, kill them. I authorise you to kill them. They have wives and children too. This is a Federal Government election. On election day, even if they come with voter cards, we won't allow them to vote.”
The Commission's statement did not hold back: “This is not politics. This is a licence to kill. A public officer who tells citizens to murder other citizens because of party affiliation must not be allowed to remain in office for one more day.”
NHRC Calls for Immediate Suspension and Prosecution
The NHRC has formally called on the Senate leadership to suspend Senator Fadahunsi immediately, pending a full investigation by the police. The Commission stressed that waiting for violence to erupt before acting would be a failure of the state's duty to protect its citizens.
“We cannot wait until blood is spilled in Osun before we act. Prevention is the duty of the state, and the leadership of the NASS is part of the state,” the statement added.
The Commission has also set up a situation room to document and report any threats or incidents of violence during the election period, urging citizens of Osun to remain peaceful and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Deji Adeyanju Demands Visa Ban for Senator Fadahunsi
In a parallel move, human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has written to the United States government and the British High Commission, demanding a visa ban for Senator Fadahunsi and his family members. Adeyanju argued that Nigerian politicians have long acted with impunity, subverting the will of the people and undermining the rule of law.
“For far too long, Nigerian politicians have acted with impunity in a manner that has subverted the will of the Nigerian people, undermined the rule of law, and caused substantial loss of lives and property of ordinary Nigerians,” Adeyanju wrote.
He urged both the US and UK governments to also consider seizing assets and foreclosing business interests of Nigerians who actively undermine the nation's constitutional democratic process.
Why This Matters for Nigeria's Democracy
This is not just about one Senator. This is about the culture of impunity that has allowed political thuggery to thrive in our electoral process. When a sitting lawmaker openly calls for the murder of political opponents, it sends a chilling message to every Nigerian voter: your life is worth less than a party badge.
We at Najia Pulse stand firmly with the NHRC and all well-meaning Nigerians who demand accountability. The security agencies must act now. The Senate must act now. And if the international community wants to help, placing travel restrictions on those who incite violence is a welcome step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NHRC's role in the Osun election?
The NHRC is monitoring the electoral process and has set up a situation room to document human rights violations, including threats and acts of violence during the election period.
What actions have been taken against Senator Fadahunsi so far?
The NHRC has called for his immediate suspension from the Senate and his arrest, investigation, and prosecution by the police and DSS. Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has also petitioned the US and UK governments for a visa ban.
When is the Osun governorship election?
The Osun State governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, as stated in the NHRC's release.