Get Guardian on GoogleThe Nasarawa Youth Support Group has urged the Nasarawa State Government to stop dragging former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu (Rtd) into the disruption of activities during the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally on Wednesday.
The group made the appeal in a statement, saying its attention has been drawn to allegations by the Nasarawa State Government linking Adamu and his supporters to the disruption of activities during Vice President Kashim Shettima’s visit to Lafia.
“We consider the allegation unfortunate, misleading and politically motivated, particularly in view of video footage of the incident circulating publicly,” the statement read.
“The footage shows some of the youths involved in the alleged disruption waving All Progressives Congress (APC) flags and participating in the event.
“This raises serious questions about the state government’s attempt to associate the incident with supporters of Adamu, who was not identified in the footage as being involved in the disruption.”
The group said the Nasarawa State Government must explain how it arrived at its conclusion linking the former IGP to the incident when the available video evidence appears to point in a different direction.
It said it is particularly disturbing that the state government would make such serious allegations against a governorship candidate without presenting credible evidence to substantiate them.
“Adamu’s campaign has remained peaceful, issue-based and focused on presenting practical solutions to the challenges facing Nasarawa State,” the group stated.
“Throughout his campaign engagements, he has addressed the people respectfully, without resorting to insults, inflammatory rhetoric or attacks on political opponents.”
According to the Nasarawa Youth Support Group, there have been no reported incidents of violence or disruption associated with his campaign activities.
It argued that Adamu’s approach has been to engage voters through dialogue, promote peaceful political participation and offer a credible alternative for the development of the state.
“We therefore reject any attempt to associate Adamu or his supporters with the alleged disruption of the Vice President’s visit without credible evidence,” the group said.
“While we support a thorough investigation into the incident, such an investigation must be impartial, professional and guided by facts rather than political considerations.
“The Department of State Services must establish the identities and affiliations of those involved before drawing conclusions about their sponsors or political loyalties.”
The group urged the Nasarawa Government to exercise restraint and avoid using its position to cast aspersions on political opponents or create unnecessary tension in the state.
It said that Nasarawa State deserves a campaign centred on issues, development and the welfare of its people, not unsubstantiated accusations and political distractions.
The Nasarawa Youth Support Group explained that Adamu remains committed to a peaceful, issue-driven campaign and urges all political actors and their supporters to conduct themselves with dignity and respect for democratic values.
