Amnesty International Nigeria has accused Nigerian authorities of failing to initiate a genuine accountability process against Senator Francis Fadahunsi of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osun East, over alleged remarks urging his supporters to kill political opponents.
The organisation said the authorities had, so far, failed to take credible steps to investigate the allegation and determine whether the senator should be held accountable for the reported statement.
Amnesty International Nigeria stressed that the government has a fundamental obligation to ensure that human rights are respected, protected and fulfilled before, during and after elections.
It said the obligation is rooted in Nigeria’s Constitution as well as international human rights law and standards, which require the state to protect citizens from violence and safeguard their rights irrespective of political affiliation.
The rights organisation warned that statements perceived as inciting violence against political opponents should not be ignored, particularly in an electoral environment where inflammatory rhetoric can heighten tensions and undermine public safety.
Amnesty called on the Nigerian authorities to undertake a prompt, impartial and transparent investigation into the allegation and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable in accordance with the law.
The organisation maintained that political actors must be subjected to the same standards of accountability as other citizens, stressing that respect for human rights and the rule of law remains essential to credible and peaceful elections.
