MADA Development Association Condemns Violence During Nasarawa APC Primary Elections
By Our Correspondent
The Mada Development Association (MDA) Worldwide has strongly condemned acts of violence and intimidation recorded during the just-concluded APC primary elections in Nasarawa State, warning that political thuggery poses a threat to peace and democracy in Mada communities.
In a communiqué issued after an emergency stakeholders’ meeting held Thursday at the MDA Secretariat on Lafia Road, Akwanga, the association’s National Executive Council, in conjunction with its Youth and Women Wings, resolved to denounce the use of armed thugs by some political aspirants and their supporters.
Presenting the outcome of the meeting, MDA National President, Engr. James Bashayi, said members received disturbing reports of individuals allegedly storming polling venues with guns, knives, sticks, and other dangerous weapons to intimidate and harass voters.
“The Association strongly condemns the actions of some political aspirants and their supporters who brought in thugs armed with dangerous weapons to terrorize innocent locals during the conduct of the primary election,” the communiqué stated.
The MDA described the incidents as “unacceptable, barbaric, and capable of threatening the peace, unity, and democratic process within our communities and the state at large.” It reaffirmed that the Mada people are peace-loving citizens who believe in democracy, dialogue, fairness, and the rule of law.
The association also expressed disappointment in the conduct of some security personnel who, it said, failed to arrest perpetrators despite witnessing the unlawful acts. It called on all political actors, security agencies, and stakeholders to ensure peaceful conduct in future political activities and to protect citizens from intimidation and violence.
“The Association remains committed to peace, development, unity, and the protection of the collective interest and dignity of the Mada Nation,” Bashayi said.
The communiqué was unanimously adopted by all members present at the emergency meeting.
