Press Statement: Addressing Allegations of Death Threats Involving Senator Francis Fadahunsi: Time to End Electoral Impunity

ActionAid Nigeria and the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought are holding this joint press conference to address recent events surrounding the just-concluded Osun Governorship Election.

First, we congratulate the people of Osun State for a largely peaceful and successful election. Although we continue to expect higher voter turnout in elections in Nigeria, we note that voter participation in Osun was encouraging. This is positive for our democracy. However, about a million Osun voters who collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) did not vote. This should concern all Nigerians committed to strengthening democracy.

Some of these voters may have been discouraged by the violence and violent rhetoric that preceded the election. That is why this press conference matters. Of particular concern is the public statement attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East, in which he reportedly told supporters to seek out and kill members of the Accord Party they encountered in the area, including voters. The statement was reportedly communicated in Yoruba.

That a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria could publicly make a statement encouraging violence against political opponents raises serious concerns about the growing normalisation of violent rhetoric in our politics. It is even more troubling that Senator Fadahunsi reportedly asked that the statement be recorded. Such rhetoric is unacceptable in a democracy. As civil society organisations, we view 

statements that threaten citizens' lives and safety because of their political choices as a serious threat to democracy. We expect restraint and responsibility from all political leaders, regardless of party affiliation.

Openly calling for citizens to be killed because of their political affiliation or choices raises serious questions under Nigeria’s criminal laws and must be addressed promptly through due process. Where credible evidence exists, law enforcement agencies must investigate and ensure accountability under the law.

We acknowledge reports that the Police have interviewed Senator Fadahunsi. However, the matter should not end with an interview. The allegations should be thoroughly investigated and, where the evidence establishes an offence, appropriate charges should follow. This moment provides an opportunity to confront the culture of impunity that has contributed to electoral violence in Nigeria.

Impunity is at the heart of electoral violence, and failure to investigate and prosecute electoral offences creates incentives for political actors to resort to threats, violence and criminality in pursuit of power. When electoral offences repeatedly go unpunished, confidence in elections is weakened, and democracy itself is undermined.

We expected the Police to act promptly on the allegations in accordance with the law. We note the Attorney General of Osun State's reported legal action seeking to compel further investigation and prosecution. The Inspector General of Police should ensure that the matter is handled transparently, professionally and without political interference, and that the case file is transmitted to the appropriate prosecutorial authorities where sufficient evidence exists.

The Attorney General of the Federation also has an important responsibility. As the Chief Law Officer of the Federation, the Attorney General must uphold the rule of law and ensure that violations of the law are addressed without fear or favour. Beyond this case, the AGF should send a clear message to all political actors, regardless of party affiliation, that threats of violence, incitement, and attacks on Nigerians' constitutional rights will not be tolerated as the country moves toward the 2027 general elections.

Senator Fadahunsi is not the only political actor whose rhetoric has raised concerns. Across political parties, Nigerians have witnessed statements threatening opponents, attempts to restrict political activity and rhetoric capable of creating fear among citizens. These actions must be confronted consistently. The rights to freedom of movement, association, expression and political participation belong to every Nigerian and must be protected irrespective of political affiliation.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) also has an important regulatory responsibility in strengthening electoral integrity. In some instances, the Commission has prosecuted staff or officials implicated in electoral offences. It should continue to strengthen its monitoring of political actors' conduct before, during, and after elections, and work with relevant institutions to ensure that violence, intimidation, and other electoral offences are addressed. This is essential to guaranteeing credible, fair and peaceful elections in 2027.

As civil society organisations committed to free and fair elections, we have no interest in who wins an election. Our interest is that every election is free, fair, credible and conducted in accordance with the Constitution and the rights of citizens.

The Nigerian government has committed itself to the principles of the rule of law, and the fundamental premise of our electoral system must remain the respect and protection of the rights of Nigerian citizens. Free and fair elections begin with the environment in which citizens exercise their political rights. Citizens must be free to associate with political parties and political advocacy groups, freely canvass views and opinions, and support candidates and parties of their choice without intimidation or coercion.

Where citizens are afraid to express their political preferences or associate with political parties because they fear violence, suppression or damage to life and property, elections cannot be described as genuinely democratic.

We need to remind politicians, electoral officials and law enforcement agencies that elections are not just about votes. They are also about the environment in which those votes are cast. Democracy is not only about ballots; it is also about people's freedoms and liberties.

We cannot have free and fair elections when voters are afraid for their lives. Elections cannot be genuinely competitive when political actors are threatened, prevented from campaigning or denied the opportunity to freely canvass for votes. Free and fair elections require an environment where incumbents can be challenged, opposition parties can organise freely, and citizens can vote for or against any candidate without fear of violence or retaliation.

We want to alert Nigerians, especially the media, to the danger of normalising violent speech, threats and attacks during election periods. They undermine democracy itself. Across the region, democratic institutions are under increasing pressure, and Nigeria must show that democratic governance can protect rights, ensure accountability, and respond to citizens' aspirations.

We must stand against impunity and violations of citizens' fundamental rights in the pursuit of political power.

At this moment, we intend to keep a watching brief on developments in Osun State to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that allegations of threats or electoral violence involving Senator Francis Fadahunsi, or any other political actor, are investigated and addressed without fear or favour.

We commend Amnesty International and other civil society organisations for speaking out against violent political rhetoric. We urge civil society, the media, political parties, security agencies and citizens to stand together in demanding peaceful politics, justice and accountability.

Nigerians demand free and fair elections in 2027. Nigerians want democracy to survive and deliver for them. We cannot allow impunity to weaken the institutions and freedoms democracy depends on.

No one should be above the law, and no one should be below its protection.

We therefore call on the Nigeria Police Force and the appropriate prosecutorial authorities to ensure a prompt, impartial and transparent investigation into the statements attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi and, where the evidence establishes an offence, proceed in accordance with the law.

The standard must apply equally to every political actor, regardless of party, position or influence. That is how we protect democracy. That is how we protect citizens. And that is how we begin to end electoral impunity.