#OsunDecides2026: Failure to act against incitement to violence endorses anarchy — ITUC-AFRICA

The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has warned that failure by Nigerian authorities to act decisively against political and religious incitement could undermine electoral peace and deepen insecurity in the country.

The warning came on the eve of the Osun State governorship scheduled for Saturday August 15, 2026, with the continental trade union body expressing concern over recent inflammatory statements attributed to political and religious figures.

In a statement issued in Lomé, Togo, on Friday and signed by its General Secretary, Akhator Joel Odigie, ITUC-Africa specifically condemned remarks attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, in which he was reportedly recorded calling for the killing of Accord Party supporters who turned out to vote.

The organisation said the senator’s subsequent explanation that he meant defeating his opponents through the ballot did not diminish the danger posed by the statement.

“Freedom of expression is a fundamental democratic right, but it carries inherent responsibilities. It does not provide a licence to threaten lives or incite violence,” ITUC-Africa said.

It stressed that the responsibility was even greater for elected officials whose words could influence supporters and inflame an already tense political environment.

The organisation noted that the Osun State Police Command had invited Fadahunsi for questioning before releasing him, urging the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to ensure that the matter was investigated impartially and prosecuted if evidence established an offence.

“Political office must never confer immunity from recklessness or place anyone above the law,” it warned.

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ITUC-Africa also expressed concern over inflammatory remarks attributed to Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, including alleged descriptions of Christians as infidels and statements promoting religious exclusion.

It said the reported approval of political leaders present when the remarks were made was “particularly troubling”, warning that such rhetoric could have grave consequences in a country already scarred by religiously motivated violence.

The continental labour body called on Nigerian authorities to act “firmly and impartially” to protect voters, electoral officials and political party representatives ahead of the Osun election.

“The people of Osun State must be free to vote without fear. Political contests must be settled through the ballot, not threats or bloodshed,” it said.

ITUC-Africa described Nigeria as Africa’s most populous country, one of its largest economies and home to a strong trade union movement with a longstanding record of defending democracy and social justice.

It warned that developments in Nigeria have implications beyond the country’s borders, stressing that “any tolerance of political violence, religious hatred or institutional partiality is therefore a continental concern.”

The organisation urged all political actors and institutions to uphold democratic norms and ensure that the Osun election is conducted in an atmosphere free from intimidation, violence and religious hatred.