Following the tragic killing of two individuals at an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, both the ruling APC and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) announced plans to request increased police presence at their future campaign events. This decision comes in light of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) reaffirmation of its stance to keep its internal security measures confidential to avoid potential violence at its campaign venues. The incident occurred on Friday night when gunmen reportedly attacked a political gathering of APC members in Mkpuma Akpatakpa village, located in the Izzi Local Government Area. During this assault, two individuals were killed, and two others sustained injuries, necessitating their transfer to the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital in Abakaliki for medical treatment.
In a separate incident on Saturday, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, the governorship candidate for the Accord Party in Rivers State, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during his visit to the Etche Local Government Area. Lulu-Briggs and his team were investigating reports of an attack on the Accord Secretariat when unidentified gunmen ambushed their convoy. His bulletproof vehicle was extensively damaged by gunfire. Speaking to the press, Lulu-Briggs confirmed the attack, stating that the assailants opened fire on his convoy, resulting in shattered windows and significant damage. He expressed his concern over the deteriorating security situation, describing the state as lawless and emphasizing that violence should not dictate the political process. Lulu-Briggs also attempted to contact the Commissioner of Police but was unable to reach him, opting instead to send a text message.
Bala Ibrahim, the Director of Publicity for the APC, addressed the current security challenges in the country, stating that the party would formally request increased police presence at its campaign rallies. He dismissed the idea of involving military personnel, arguing that their presence would undermine democracy. Ibrahim emphasized the need for enhanced police support and intelligence from the Department of State Services to ensure the safety of attendees at APC events. Similarly, Tex Okechukwu, the National Publicity Secretary of APGA, indicated that the party would seek additional police presence in areas prone to violence, while maintaining that soldiers would not be requested.
In response to the escalating insecurity, Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, urged Nigerians to hold the ruling party accountable for the deteriorating security situation. He reiterated that the PDP would not disclose its security strategies for campaign venues, criticizing the APC for its failure to provide adequate security even at its own rallies. Ologunagba asserted that the APC’s inability to fulfill its promises demonstrated its incompetence, and he encouraged voters to express their dissatisfaction at the polls on February 25.
Retired Air Vice Marshal John Ifemeje, the Deputy National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, condemned the ongoing violent attacks as an attempt to disrupt democracy. He called for security agencies to take decisive action against these criminal elements, emphasizing that democracy thrives on freedom of speech, movement, and association. Ifemeje stressed that the responsibility for protecting lives and property lies with security agencies, urging them to mobilize resources to ensure safety at rallies and throughout the country.
The Labour Party has also implemented a clear strategy to safeguard its candidates and citizens during campaign activities. Yinussa Tanko, the spokesperson for the Peter Obi/Datti-Ahmed Campaign Council, stated that the party has engaged with police and other relevant security agencies for their rallies. Additionally, the party has enlisted security volunteers, including former military personnel and security experts, to enhance safety. Tanko assured that internal security measures are in place to protect attendees from potential threats. Regarding the upcoming Labour Party presidential rally in Kano, he confirmed that all necessary security operatives have been contacted to ensure a secure environment.
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