The Pan Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has issued a warning to politicians regarding the rising verbal and physical attacks that have characterized election campaigns in various parts of Nigeria. In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, Afenifere urged political parties and their candidates to concentrate on addressing the numerous challenges facing the country, rather than engaging in actions and rhetoric aimed at undermining their opponents or inciting violence.
Ajayi expressed concern that the verbal assaults from certain candidates and their spokespersons are inciting their unscrupulous supporters to violently confront opponents, potentially leading to bloodshed. He highlighted the troubling escalation of violence, despite the various peace accords signed by presidential candidates and others. A report from the research organization SB Morgan indicated that 27 Nigerians were killed in 57 politically motivated violent incidents throughout 2022. Furthermore, the National Security Adviser to the President, Major General Babagana Monguno (retd), reported that Nigeria experienced 52 acts of political violence across 22 states between October 8 and November 9 of the previous year. Ajayi noted that this figure represents a significant level of violence occurring within just one month.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had previously reported that, as of December 2022, there had been 50 attacks in 15 of the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) since 2019. Additional attacks have occurred since then, including incidents in Ogun, Osun, Imo, Ebonyi, Abia, and Enugu states, among others. Afenifere’s statement emphasized that candidates and political parties with solid programs would not resort to verbal or physical aggression.
The organization urged political parties and their candidates to focus on their plans to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. They should demonstrate an understanding of the significant problems facing the nation and present viable solutions. Afenifere called for an end to mutual self-abuse, whether verbal or physical, in the political arena.
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