NHRC Demands Suspension and Arrest of Senator Fadahunsi Over Alleged Inciting Remarks
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has demanded the immediate suspension and arrest of Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, over alleged inflammatory remarks captured in a viral video ahead of the August 15, 2026 Osun governorship election.
According to the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Chief Tony Ojukwu (SAN), the senator’s alleged directive to supporters to “kill” members of the Accord Party amounted to incitement to murder, electoral violence, and voter intimidation.
Ojukwu described the statement as a “licence to kill,” stressing that such rhetoric is incompatible with constitutional principles and Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights law.
“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,” Ojukwu said.
The NHRC called on the Senate leadership to suspend Fadahunsi immediately, pending investigation, while urging the police and DSS to arrest, investigate and prosecute him in accordance with the law.
The commission also directed political party chairmen to instruct their members to refrain from hateful, inciting, intimidating or violent statements ahead of elections, adding that candidates or party supporters who violate such directives should be reported to law enforcement for prosecution.
To safeguard the electoral process, the NHRC announced the establishment of a situation room to monitor and document human rights and electoral incidents during the Osun election period. It also appealed to residents to remain peaceful and report threats to the appropriate authorities.
The allegations against Senator Fadahunsi, the Commission emphasized, require urgent investigation and due process, given the gravity of the alleged call for violence.
