Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has disclosed that he and his colleagues have petitioned the governments of the United States, United Kingdom and Canada to impose visa restrictions on Senator Francis Fadahunsi over alleged threats and incitement of violence ahead of the Osun State governorship election.
Adeyanju made the disclosure during an appearance on Arise TV, where he expressed concern over what he described as an alarming escalation in political rhetoric and alleged threats directed at members of the Accord Party ahead of Saturday’s election.
According to the lawyer, letters seeking sanctions against the senator were being sent to the diplomatic missions of the three countries, following remarks which he alleged could amount to encouraging or facilitating political violence.
Adeyanju said the requested visa restrictions represented what he considered the minimum international response to conduct capable of threatening the peaceful conduct of an election and undermining democratic processes.
He further claimed that the United States had previously imposed visa restrictions and other sanctions on individuals accused of actions capable of undermining democratic institutions, arguing that similar measures should be considered in the present circumstances.
The activist also called on all major contenders in the Osun governorship election to publicly reject violence against political opponents, irrespective of their party affiliations.
He urged political leaders, the Presidency, governors, governorship candidates and security agencies to make firm commitments towards ensuring that the election is conducted peacefully.
Adeyanju said the level of tension and alleged violence surrounding the election was particularly troubling, describing the situation as unprecedented in recent election periods.
He acknowledged that Fadahunsi had subsequently sought to clarify or withdraw parts of his earlier remarks but maintained that the controversy warranted continued scrutiny.
The lawyer’s intervention comes as Osun State approaches the August 15 governorship election, with heightened concerns over political tension and security.
Adeyanju maintained that political disagreements should not translate into threats or attacks against opposing parties, stressing that the protection of voters and political participants must remain central to the electoral process.
He therefore urged the relevant authorities and political actors to take concrete steps to prevent violence and ensure that voters are allowed to freely determine the outcome of the election.
The petition to the three foreign governments, according to Adeyanju, forms part of broader efforts by him and his colleagues to draw international attention to conduct they believe could threaten Nigeria’s democratic process.
The allegations against Senator Fadahunsi remain allegations made by Adeyanju, and the disclosure of the petition does not itself establish that any foreign government has imposed or agreed to impose sanctions against the senator.
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