Amnesty International Nigeria has launched an online petition calling for action against Senator Francis Fadahunsi over remarks attributed to him ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.

The human rights organisation announced the petition on Friday through its official social media channels, saying it was aimed at ensuring that the Osun East senator faces justice over comments it described as inciting violence.

Amnesty urged Nigerians to sign the petition and called on the Nigeria Police Force and Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to investigate the remarks.

The organisation said allegations of incitement ahead of the election required urgent, impartial and thorough investigation, with accountability where evidence establishes a criminal offence.

The controversy followed a video circulating on social media in which Fadahunsi was heard speaking in Yoruba at a campaign event in Ilesa. His remarks were interpreted as a call to “kill” members of the Accord Party.

Fadahunsi has denied encouraging physical violence, saying his comments were taken out of context and that he was referring to defeating Accord at the polls. He also claimed he was responding to alleged attacks on APC members.

Amnesty, however, maintained that political differences must never justify violence and stressed that Osun residents must be allowed to exercise their right to vote freely and without intimidation.

The organisation also called on authorities to protect voters and ensure that political actors are held accountable for statements that could incite hostility or violence ahead of the election.