Saraki flays attack on PDP supporters in Kaduna

• State govt warns parties against thuggery
• APC afraid of Atiku’s popularity, says Ologbondiyan

Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has condemned the violent attack on Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters and other Nigerians, who gathered in Kaduna to listen to the party’s presidential candidate as part of electioneering for the 2023 ballot.

In a statement signed by Yusuph Olaniyonu from his Media Office, Saraki said such a sad development was a return to the dark days of politics in the country.

He, therefore, called on security agencies to immediately commence a thorough investigation to unveil the penetrators of the violent acts, their sponsors and their motive.

According to the scion of the Saraki dynasty in Kwara State, the attack on the Kaduna PDP rally by yet-to-be-named people was not just a threat to the nation’s democracy but an indication that some elements are still bent on sabotaging next year’s general elections.

He added: “The security agencies must use this case to reassure the world that Nigeria will not return to the era of jungle politics or Hobbesian state. Both the sponsors and perpetrators of these criminal acts should be treated as top enemies of the state. They should be exposed and made to face the wrath of the law in such a manner that others, who harbour this evil intent, will take this case as a big deterrence.”

KADUNA State Peace Commission has warned political parties and their supporters against thuggery and disturbance of public peace.

In a statement, yesterday, the Executive Vice Chairman of the commission, Saleh Momale, while appreciating the proactive response by security agencies in immediately halting the development, urged the agencies to be extra vigilant in monitoring campaign processes and preventing clashes.

The commission assured the residents of its commitment to peaceful campaigns and elections in the state.

IN the same vein, spokesperson for the Atiku Presidential Campaign Organisation, Kola Ologbondiyan, has said the attack signals that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has gone into panic mode by the overwhelming acceptance of Atiku.

Ologbondiyan stated, yesterday, in Abuja, that “Atiku’s opponents, who have resorted to sending armed thugs to disrupt PDP’s campaigns in Kaduna and the closure of media organisations in Zamfara State are display of fears over the former vice president’s popularity and his plans for Nigerians ahead of 2023 elections”

According to Ologbondiyan, who is the immediate past national publicity secretary of the PDP, it is on record that Atiku remains the only candidate who has taken his message of hope to five out of the six geo-political zones and received huge turn-out at every port of call so far.