Get Guardian on GoogleThe All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has raised the alarm over the growing incidents of violence at political gatherings across the country, calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to prevent further attacks and arrest those responsible.
The council specifically condemned reported attacks in Edo, Cross River and Gombe states, as well as violence targeting party supporters and political leaders across party lines.
It also expressed concern over the disruption of Thursday’s scheduled town hall meeting of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Lagos.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the spokesperson of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Dele Alake, described the incidents as condemnable and warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against actions capable of triggering public disorder.
The council urged politicians and their supporters to exercise restraint and conduct their political activities peacefully, stressing that political disagreements should not degenerate into violence.
It called on security agencies to be more proactive, responsive and vigilant in preventing political violence, while ensuring that those who instigate or perpetrate attacks are apprehended and punished in accordance with the law.
The statement further urged political parties and candidates to focus their campaigns on issues that would improve the lives of Nigerians rather than engage in rhetoric or activities capable of inciting violence.
The APC campaign council stressed the need for a peaceful political atmosphere in which all parties and candidates could freely canvass for votes without intimidation, harassment or attacks.
