President Bola Tinubu on Friday condemned political violence associated with political parties’ campaigns in parts of the country, mandating security agencies to confront thuggery and other anti-social and anti-democratic activities with full force.
Similarly, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, condemned the attack on his supporters during the party’s town hall meeting in Lagos on Thursday, vowing that the party would protect its votes in the 2027 general election and ensure that the electoral process was monitored from polling units to final collation.
Equally, the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) yesterday threatened to report alleged attacks on its members to international judicial and human rights institutions, accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) of promoting political violence against opposition parties.
The President, in a statement issued on Friday, warned that his administration would not tolerate any irresponsible conduct by politicians and their supporters.
Tinubu charged his fellow politicians to shun violence, adding that campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections must revolve around issues that promote the welfare of Nigerians.
The President, in a 10-paragraph statement, stated, inter alia: “I have followed recent reports of violence accompanying political events in different parts of the country.
“Every form of violence stands condemned. Violence should never have a place in our political campaigns as we move toward the 2027 general elections.
“Our campaigns should be about issues, a contestation of ideas that promote the welfare of our people and the progress of our country.
“As the leader of this country, I commit myself to a peaceful, free, and fair election, and I urge political leaders and supporters across party lines to conduct themselves responsibly.
“I have said that being in different political parties or pursuing different ambitions does not make us enemies.
“As Nigerians, we are members of the same household living in different rooms. Therefore, our politics must elevate human conditions and focus on national progress and development.
“I want to reiterate my previous directive to the security agencies: be strict and firm against anyone who seeks to test our resolve and will to preserve public order.
“Our administration is committed to an orderly and peaceful election, and all political parties and candidates should be protected and free to campaign anywhere in the country without molestation or fear for their safety.
“We shall not tolerate any irresponsible conduct by politicians and their supporters.
“Security agencies are therefore authorised to confront thuggery and other anti-social and anti-democratic activities with full force.”
Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
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