The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar has supposedly called out All Progressives Congress leaders in Lagos for intimidating voters in the state.
Atiku noted that he was shocked at how supporters of political leaders in the state had threatened persons of other ethnic groups against voting for any other candidate of except those they chose.
Chronicle NG had reported that traditional rulers in Lagos state had declared Oro festivals to scare women and non-indigenes in the state.
“It is important for political leaders across the country, especially Lagos State, to desist from actions that promote election violence, such that can compromise peace, unity and democracy in our country,” Atiku Abubakar said in a statement on Friday.
“I am concerned about how lackeys of political leaders in Lagos State have unabatedly made ethnic slurs aimed at intimidating voters in the state in tomorrow’s election,” the former vice-president said with mentioning the political party.
Making reference to a video authored by Musiliu Akinsanya popularly known as MC Oluomo, he said, “I have watched with profound disdain a certain video in circulation where some persons known to be associates of the leaders of the ruling party in Lagos State are issuing threats against other ethnic groups in the build up to the Governorship and State House of Assembly election.
Atiku described the action as undemocratic. “I condemn this uncivilised behaviour and also condemn the criminal silence of the security agencies and the political leadership in Lagos State annd Abuja on this development.
“Every democracy is as virile as the culture of the electoral system that governs it. The democracy that we fought for and operate in Nigeria thrives on the principle of free and equal participation.
Atiku noted that, “Beyond that, I find it morally wrong and repugnant for political actors to make broad-day incitements against a particular ethnic bloc in an attempt to intimidate them from voting for their choice candidate.
“It is not enough to talk about the promise of a free and fair election. The actions that we take prior to election day must have the integrity of a badge of honour.
He added that, “It is, therefore on this note, that I specifically call on security agencies in the country to ensure that politicians and their protégés submit to the rules of democratic fair-play across the country, especially in Lagos State, for the sake of decency and the promotion of peace and unity.
