The Nasarawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by its State Chairman, Hon. Aliyu Bello, has called for peace, political tolerance and respect for democratic rights, while demanding a comprehensive investigation into alleged attacks and intimidation against its members and supporters in the state.
Bello made the call during a peaceful protest and solidarity march by APC supporters in Lafia, where he presented a petition to the state government and the police over what he described as persistent political attacks, intimidation and threats against party members.
The APC chairman said the demonstration was organised to promote peace, unity, peaceful coexistence and decent political engagement, stressing that every Nigerian has a constitutional right to support any political party or candidate of their choice.
He alleged that APC supporters had suffered repeated attacks, including the killing of one of their members in the Tudun Wada area of Lafia, despite the party obtaining the necessary permission to hold its political activity.
Bello further expressed concern over the recent disruption of an event attended by the Vice President, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the incident as an affront to democratic values and constituted authority.
He called on security agencies to conduct a full-scale investigation, identify the sponsors and perpetrators of the attack, and ensure that those found culpable are arrested and prosecuted.
The APC chairman also raised concerns over alleged intimidation of security personnel and what he described as excessive security privileges being extended to individuals associated with an opposition gubernatorial candidate.
He maintained that no political individual or candidate should be considered above the law, insisting that the privileges attached to previous public offices should not be used to intimidate political opponents or security agencies.
While assuring the government and security agencies that APC supporters remained peaceful and orderly, Bello warned that the party would not continue to tolerate attacks on its members, urging the authorities to fulfil their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.
POLICE REAFFIRM NEUTRALITY, PROMISE INVESTIGATION
Responding on behalf of the Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration and Finance, ACP Gaya Ahmed, reaffirmed the neutrality of thel activities.
Ahmed said the police had taken note of the complaints presented by the APC leadership and assured that the petitions would be handed over to the incoming Commissioner of Police for appropriate action.
He stressed that the police would not shield any individual from accountability, irrespective of political affiliation or status.
According to him, all properly submitted complaints and petitions would be investigated, with anyone found culpable arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He urged the protesters to remain confident in the ability of the Nasarawa State Police Command to discharge its responsibilities professionally and without political bias.
AKABE CONDEMNS POLITICAL THUGGERY, ASSURES OF GOVERNMENT ACTION
Also speaking, the Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, who represented Governor Abdullahi Sule, condemned the recent attack during the presidential event, describing it as unfortunate, disgraceful and unacceptable.
Akabe said political violence and acts of thuggery had no place in a democratic society, warning that insecurity could undermine development, discourage investment and threaten the peaceful atmosphere the state had enjoyed under the present administration.
He recalled that Governor Sule had consistently advocated peace since assuming office in 2019, noting that the state's relative stability had contributed significantly to its growing attractiveness to investors.
The Deputy Governor expressed disappointment over the failure of security arrangements to prevent the disruption of an event attended by the Vice President, who represented the President, despite prior expectations and security briefings.
He insisted that security agencies must take full responsibility for protecting lives and property, adding that the incident raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the security arrangements put in place for the event.
Akabe assured that the state government would not treat the incident lightly, describing it as an insult to the people of Nasarawa State, the governor and constituted authorities.
He disclosed that the State Emergency and Security Council had already met and deliberated on the incident, adding that the governor was taking appropriate steps based on the resolutions reached at the meeting.
On the allegations concerning security privileges allegedly enjoyed by the wife of a gubernatorial candidate, Akabe said the matter required attention at the national level, insisting that security arrangements for political personalities must comply with established regulations.
He expressed optimism that the arrival of a new Commissioner of Police would strengthen security operations and improve the protection of all residents, irrespective of political affiliation.
The Deputy Governor called on political actors, supporters and residents to embrace dialogue, tolerance and peaceful participation as the state prepares for the 2027 general elections.
He maintained that political competition should never be allowed to threaten the peace, unity and development of Nasarawa State.
