Amnesty International says it will publicly condemn Senator Francis Fadahunsi over what it described as alleged inciting comments ahead of the Osun State governorship election.
Isa Sanusi, Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, said the organisation would “name and shame” the senator across the 150 countries where it operates if it establishes that his remarks amounted to incitement.
Mr Sanusi made the comments on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday while reacting to remarks attributed to Mr Fadahunsi ahead of the 15 August governorship election.
The senator, who represents Osun East in the National Assembly, has come under scrutiny following comments that have sparked controversy in the build-up to the poll.
Amnesty International said it was concerned about statements capable of heightening political tensions or encouraging violence during the electoral process.
Mr Sanusi said the organisation would not limit its response to Nigeria, stressing that it could use its international network to draw attention to the senator’s conduct.
The warning comes as political parties and candidates intensify their campaigns ahead of Saturday’s election, with security and the possibility of violence remaining key concerns.
The Osun governorship election is expected to attract significant attention, with voters set to choose the state’s next governor amid a closely contested political environment.
Amnesty International has repeatedly called on political actors, supporters and security agencies to uphold human rights and ensure that the electoral process is conducted peacefully.
