PDP cries to Buhari over incessant attacks which stifle democracy
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
An appeal for intervention has been sent to the Villa by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over constant attacks on its Lagos governorship candidate by thugs paid by the All Progressive Alliance (APC).
The campaign train of Lagos PDP governorship candidate Abdul-Azeez Adediran, also known as Jandor, who was again assaulted on Wednesday by hoodlums who chased out his running mate Funke Akindele from a stump in Kosi market in Kosofe Council.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the latest assault came after Tuesday’s attack on his campaign team in the same council by hoodlums.
But Jandor told the Council of Chief Imams at Ketu Central Mosque in Kosofe the attacks would not deter him from rescuing the state from the APC.
Adediran’s campaign train was attacked by political thugs around the Ikosi-Isheri area on Tuesday and also came under hostility on Oworo Road in the Oworosonki area on Wednesday.
The hoodlums hauled stones, bottles, and other dangerous objects at the campaign train, blocked Oworo Road, and insisted the convoy would not be allowed to access the road.
The situation would have degenerated into chaos if not for Jandor’s directive that the hoodlums should not be attacked by his security team.
The team was held hostage for about 45 minutes before security personnel chased the miscreants away.
Similar attacks had happened in Badagry, Agege, and Ikorodu since Jandor kicked off his tour of the 245 wards in the state on 19 October 2022, during which some of his supporters and journalists were wounded.
Lagos PDP Publicity Secretary Hakeem Amode told journalists after Wednesday’s attack the trend is not healthy for democracy.
He urged President Muhammadu Buhari and Inspector-General of Police Usman Baba to investigate all attacks on the party’s campaign train in various parts of the state.
He said both the Constitution and the Electoral Act allow campaigns by all registered political parties without harassment by political thugs.
His words: “It is unbelievable at this stage that these are happening in a state that prides itself as the Centre of Excellency. It is sad that we cannot campaign freely.
“Electoral Law allows us to campaign anywhere in Lagos State but it is unfortunate that political thugs could attempt to stop us.
“On Tuesday, we were attacked in several wards in Kosofe and we were even prevented from entering markets to campaign.
“We are more disturbed to hear that some of our loyalists, who came to welcome us, were prevented from entering the markets to continue their businesses.”
“The attacks have gone on for a very long time and this is probably the fourth or fifth local government in which this will be happening.”
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Electoral process as important as result
“I am using this opportunity to call on President Muhammadu Buhari, who has promised Nigerians a free, fair and credible election, to consider the process leading to the election in Lagos State,” Amode said, according to The Guardian.
“It is not only the Election Day that matters, the processes that lead to elections are equally important for the credibility of elections.
“I am also calling on the Inspector General of the Police, the Commissioner of Police in the state and all Area Commanders of Police, and the Director of the DSS in Lagos State to be aware of this. We cannot continue to live in fear.
“All these happenings are capable of intimidating the general public, especially the voters. This cannot continue.”
Amode urged the police and other security agencies to protect the lives and property of those campaigning in the general election, saying the PDP and its candidates would not be intimidated and would continue peaceful campaign.
“We will stand up to the attackers everywhere they are and we will do everything possible under the law to go ahead with the campaign.”
Jandor in his grassroots engagements has toured Alimosho, Ojo, Ibeju-Lekki, Mushin, and Kosofe Councils, among others.