By ANGEL NWOKOCHA, Staff Reporter, Abuja
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has strongly condemned the violent attack on its supporters in Lagos by suspected political thugs during its town hall meeting today.
The party expressed deep sympathy with its supporters injured in the attack and wish them a speedy and full recovery.
The NDC said, “Our thoughts are with them and their families at this difficult time. This incident is an unacceptable assault on democracy, citizens’ fundamental rights and the freedom of political association”.
Condemning the attack in its entirety in a statement by its National Campaign Council Spokesperson, Dr. Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, the NDC continued: “No political party or group has a monopoly on Nigeria, and no one has the right to use violence, intimidation or thuggery to silence opposing voices.
“Nigeria is not a conquered territory, and political participation is not a crime. We demand an immediate investigation, the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, and an end to the dangerous culture of the political violence we’re witnessing in some states.
“Those who believe they can intimidate Nigerians into silence must understand that democracy belongs to the people, not to political thugs and their sponsors.
“We can see there is a calculated attempt to intimidate Nigerians, spread fear or discourage them from voting in 2027.
“But this will fail. The people’s determination to reclaim their democratic voice will be stronger than any threat. The NDC urges Nigerians to come out in large numbers in 2027, exercise their democratic rights and vote for the Obi/Kwankwaso ticket as part of the peaceful demand for accountable leadership and a different direction for our country.
“The NDC and its supporters will not be silenced or bullied out of exercising their democratic rights”.
