Amnesty International has condemned the lawmaker representing Osun East Senatorial District, Francis Fadahunsi, over his alleged comment directing supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to “kill” members of the rival Accord Party during the state governorship election in Osun.
The human rights organisation described the senator’s alleged remarks as reckless and an apparent attempt to incite violence ahead of the election.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Amnesty said Nigerian authorities have an obligation to prevent advocacy of hatred that amounts to incitement to hostility, discrimination or violence.
It urged the authorities to urgently denounce statements, whether made at campaign events, online or through other platforms, that advocate violence.
The organisation also called on political parties to reject incitement and distance themselves from remarks by their members or supporters that could endanger lives.
“We condemn all incitements to violence in the strongest possible terms and demand action from federal and local authorities to counter this surge ahead of elections,” Amnesty said.
The organisation further called for the APC chieftain to be held accountable over the alleged remarks.
The August 15 Osun governorship election has heightened political activities across the state, with security agencies warning politicians and their supporters against acts capable of disrupting the electoral process.