In a strong message against political violence, President Bola Tinubu condemned the recent attacks linked to political campaigns in Nigeria. He has directed security agencies to take decisive action against anti-democratic activities, urging politicians to distance themselves from violence.
During a public statement, Tinubu emphasized the need for campaigns to focus on issues that enhance the welfare of Nigerians. He stated that violence should have no place in the political landscape as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections. The President called for responsible conduct from political leaders across all parties, suggesting that differing political views should not foster hostility among Nigerians.
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), also denounced the violence faced by his supporters during a recent town hall meeting in Lagos. He pledged that the NDC would take measures to ensure that votes were safeguarded throughout the electoral process, deploying agents to oversee polling units and collation centers.
Obi described the violence as a threat to democracy and emphasized the importance of remaining law-abiding amidst provocations. He reiterated his party’s commitment to monitoring electoral integrity and demanded that all stakeholders participate in safeguarding democracy.
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of instigating political violence against opposition parties. The ADC-PCC threatened to escalate their complaints to international human rights institutions, asserting that the ruling party must be held accountable for the current climate of violence.
In a follow-up statement, the ADC-PCC appealed to President Tinubu to promote peace and tolerance in political activities, while also compiling records of alleged attacks on their party members.
