Amnesty International Nigeria says it will intensify efforts to hold politicians accountable for statements it believes could encourage electoral violence.
The organisation said the controversy surrounding Senator Francis Fadahunsi would become an important test case in its wider campaign against inflammatory rhetoric.
A viral video circulated online in which the Osun East senator was accused of using language that opponents interpreted as a call for violence against Accord Party supporters.
Fadahunsi rejected that interpretation and said his comments had been edited out of context.
He maintained that his reference to defeating the opposition was political and related to the ballot rather than physical attacks.
Amnesty Nigeria Country Director Isa Sanusi said political leaders should understand that language capable of encouraging violence could attract both domestic and international scrutiny.
He said the organisation planned to use its international network to draw attention to politicians it considered responsible for dangerous rhetoric.
Sanusi argued that stronger accountability was needed to discourage provocative campaign language ahead of the 2027 elections.
Police questioned Fadahunsi over the video and later released him.
The senator again told journalists that he had not called for attacks on opponents.
The disagreement has widened into a broader debate over the responsibilities of political leaders during tense election campaigns.
Amnesty said it would continue monitoring statements that could contribute to violence, intimidation or hatred during electoral contests.
