The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has appealed to the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to investigate the alleged attack on its members during a ward meeting in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The party said the incident occurred on Tuesday at the residence of its ward chairman in Ejule-Alla Ward, where members had gathered for a political meeting.
ADC alleged that political thugs suspected to be loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) disrupted the gathering and inflicted injuries on several party members.
Reacting to the development, the party’s Zonal Chairman, Adaji John Udale, condemned the incident, describing it as a threat to democratic values and the constitutional right of citizens to freely associate.
“We urge the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS and other security agencies to urgently investigate this incident and bring those responsible to justice,” he said.
Udale expressed concern that the alleged attack occurred in Ejule-Alla Ward, the hometown of Kogi State Deputy Governor, Comrade Salifu Oyibo, and called on authorities to ensure that political rivalry does not degenerate into violence.
He also appealed to traditional institutions and socio-cultural groups within the Igala community to take a firm stand against politically motivated attacks.
“We call on Igala socio-cultural organisations and community leaders to speak against political violence and use their influence to discourage attacks on members of opposing political parties.”
According to Udale, political competition in a democratic society should be driven by ideas, dialogue and electoral processes rather than intimidation and violence.
He maintained that disagreements among political actors should be settled through persuasion, peaceful engagement and the ballot box instead of disrupting lawful political activities through the use of thugs.
The ADC further urged members affected by the incident to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that the party would continue to pursue its political activities peacefully while seeking justice through appropriate channels.
The allegations by the ADC had not been independently verified at the time of filing this report, while no official response had been issued by the APC or security agencies regarding the incident.
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