The ruling All Progressives Congress ( APC) and the Campaign for Democracy on Monday engaged in a war of words over the forthcoming governorship election in Bayelsa state.
The pro- democracy group has condemned the APC Deputy Governorship candidate, Mr. Joshua Maciver, over remarks attributed to the latter at the weekend in Twon Brass, Bayelsa State.
The APC Deputy governorship candidate had told his party supporters to ensure that they caged voters willing to vote for any other party aside the APC.
Reacting through a statement, Olufemi Lawson, General-Secretary of Campaign for Democracy, said utterances credited to Maciver could lead to the breakdown of law and order and ultimately frustrate the conduct of the election.
“The Campaign for Democracy condemns any act of violence, hatred, or incitement to violence in the strongest terms possible. We believe that elections should be platforms for discussing ideas, policies, and the future of our state, not arenas for fomenting discord and promoting violence.
The statement further noted that “Maciver’s resort to inciting violence during the party’s campaign in Twon Brass is thus deeply troubling. It is essential that political actors, especially those seeking public office, maintain the highest standards of civility, responsibility, and respect for the rule of law. When a candidate engages in actions that encourage violence or disrupt the peace, they undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
“We believe that it contravenes various provisions of the laws of Nigeria, including but not limited to Section 92(2) of the Electoral Act, which stipulates sanction for offenders. The law expressly prohibits the use of abusive, intemperate, slanderous, or base language or insinuation campaigns or innuendoes designed or likely to provoke violent reactions or emotions in political campaigns.
“We hereby call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant security agencies to enforce the applicable law(s) and immediately sanction Mr Maciver for his conduct, as evident in the video and his previous involvement in other conduct capable of inciting violence, ahead of the coming governorship election.
“We urge the leadership of the APC in Bayelsa State to publicly disassociate itself and condemn any acts of violence associated with their campaign, emphasizing their commitment to peaceful and responsible politics.
“We believe that the forthcoming governorship election in Bayelsa State should be conducted in an atmosphere of peace, transparency, and fairness, free from intimidation and violence. We call on all political parties and their candidates to uphold the principles of democracy and respect for the rule of law.
“The Campaign for Democracy will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for a peaceful and credible electoral process in Bayelsa State. We urge all citizens to be vigilant and committed to the cause of democracy, peace, and good governance.”
Yekeen Nabena, the Director of Media, National Campaign Council, Bayelsa governorship election however dismissed the claim of the Campaign Council.
Nabena alleged in a telephone interview with Tribune Online that the pro-democracy group is working for the ruling People’s Democratic Party in Bayelsa state.
He said: “They are in a hurry to demonise our party because they are working for PDP. Why were they silent all these days when we expressed concern over PDP plot to instigate violence? The so called CD is an extension of PDP; they are actually working for the ruling party in Bayelsa.”
He further claimed that there was nowhere in his remarks during the weekend campaign in Twon Brass where the APC Deputy Governorship candidate instigated violence.
. TheWitness
