Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
A bipartisan group of members of the Nigerian House of Representatives has called for a comprehensive investigation into violence, killings and alleged incitement linked to the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
The lawmakers, operating under the platform of the Save Democracy Group, said every death associated with political violence must be investigated and anyone found responsible prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The demand comes amid renewed concerns over political violence in Osun State following the governorship election held on August 15, 2026. The group also wants authorities to investigate a viral video involving Senator Francis Fadahunsi, whose comments were interpreted by critics as encouraging violence against members of the Accord Party.
According to reports, the lawmakers said political competition should never become an excuse for the loss of Nigerian lives. They commended Osun voters who participated in the election despite what they described as tension, intimidation and violence surrounding the poll.
Reps Demand Full Investigation
The Save Democracy Group said the scale of reported political violence before and during the Osun election requires a coordinated investigation involving relevant security and human-rights institutions.
The group specifically called on the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, National Human Rights Commission and other competent authorities to investigate reported cases of political violence and establish the circumstances surrounding each death.
The lawmakers recalled that the police had said in July that they were investigating 30 suspected politically motivated killings connected with the build-up to the Osun election.
They also cited civil society reports which documented 56 politically related violent incidents and 14 fatalities.
The lawmakers further pointed to an incident in Esa-Oke on August 13, two days before the election, in which a resident was reportedly killed and another person injured in a shooting.
The group said such figures should not be viewed merely as election statistics because every casualty represents an individual, family and community affected by political violence.
It therefore urged authorities to ensure that investigations are not influenced by political affiliation, position or status.
Fadahunsi Video Under Scrutiny
A major part of the lawmakers’ demand concerns Senator Francis Fadahunsi and a viral video circulating on social media.
The video allegedly shows Fadahunsi addressing a political gathering in Ilesa, with statements that critics interpreted as calls for violence against members and supporters of the Accord Party.
The controversy had already attracted the attention of security authorities before the election.
The Osun State Government approached the state’s High Court seeking an order compelling the police to investigate the statements attributed to the senator. The government also requested that the complete video be preserved, authenticated and subjected to forensic examination to establish whether it had been edited or altered.
The court documents reportedly contained allegations that the remarks included threats against Accord Party members and their families.
However, the allegations remain subject to investigation, and Fadahunsi has denied inciting violence.
Following questioning by the police, the senator reportedly argued that the video had been edited to misrepresent what he meant. He said his reference to “killing” the Accord Party was about defeating the party politically through votes rather than physically attacking its members or their families.
The Save Democracy Group said the senator’s denial should not prevent an independent investigation.
According to the lawmakers, political leaders occupy positions of considerable influence and therefore have a responsibility to ensure that their statements do not contribute to violence, particularly during tense electoral periods.
The group said that if an investigation establishes that an offence was committed, the law should take its course.
Police Investigation Already Underway
The controversy surrounding Fadahunsi has already triggered police action.
Channels Television reported that the police had interrogated the senator over the viral video and said an investigation was ongoing. Authorities said the outcome would be made public after the investigation was concluded.
The development came after the Osun State Government sought judicial intervention, asking the court to compel the police to investigate the allegations and take preventive measures where necessary.
The legal action did not ask the court to determine Fadahunsi’s criminal guilt. Instead, the state sought an investigation and preservation of evidence so that the relevant authorities could establish the facts.
This distinction is important because allegations contained in political statements and viral videos must be subjected to proper verification before criminal responsibility can be established.
Questions Over Security Deployment
Beyond the Fadahunsi controversy, the lawmakers questioned the scale and effectiveness of security deployment during the Osun election.
The group acknowledged that Osun’s history of electoral violence justified adequate security preparations. However, it argued that the deployment of large numbers of security personnel should translate into effective protection of citizens and property.
It consequently asked the Federal Government to explain the criteria used to determine the size and composition of security personnel deployed for the election.
The lawmakers also questioned why some parts of Nigeria facing terrorism, banditry and kidnapping continue to report inadequate security resources while significant numbers of personnel could be mobilised for an election.
They argued that security allocation should be based on assessed risks rather than political considerations.
Wider National Security Concerns
The lawmakers linked the Osun situation to Nigeria’s wider security challenges.
They cited recent attacks in Kebbi and Sokoto states, including a reported gun battle in Kebbi in which 10 police officers and two civilians were killed, according to the police spokesman cited by the group.
They also referred to the reported killing of Assistant Superintendent of Police Hussaini Balarabe during a gun battle with bandits in Sokoto.
For the lawmakers, the incidents highlight a broader challenge facing Nigeria: ensuring that security resources are available not only for elections but also for communities facing persistent attacks.
They argued that Nigeria must develop a security strategy capable of protecting citizens before, during and after elections.
2027 Election Lessons
The Save Democracy Group said the Osun election should serve as an important lesson ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct a comprehensive post-election review covering logistics, technology, administration and electoral procedures.
The group warned that the 2027 elections would be larger and more consequential, making it necessary for authorities to identify weaknesses exposed by the Osun poll and correct them before the next general election.
The lawmakers also called for the National Assembly to reconvene to consider what they described as urgent national issues, including insecurity, killings, security-sector reforms, budget implementation and declining public confidence in democratic institutions.
Accountability Must Follow Evidence
The demand for an investigation into Osun election violence places renewed attention on the responsibilities of political parties, candidates, security agencies and elected officials.
For democracy to function effectively, political disagreements must be settled through ballots, courts and lawful political processes rather than threats or violence.
The allegations surrounding Fadahunsi also underline the importance of investigating viral political content carefully. Establishing whether a video is complete, edited or taken out of context is essential before conclusions are reached.
At the same time, credible evidence of incitement or other criminal conduct must not be ignored simply because the person involved holds political office.
The Save Democracy Group’s position is therefore centred on accountability: investigate the deaths, investigate the violence, examine the controversial video and prosecute anyone against whom sufficient evidence establishes criminal responsibility.
As Nigeria looks toward 2027, the handling of the Osun election’s violent incidents could become an important test of the country’s commitment to peaceful elections and equal application of the law.
Sources: Punch, Channels Television, THISDAY, The Sun.
