SiidAfrica Initiatives for Youth Development, the Lagos State Coordinator of the Vote Not Fight campaign, has condemned the attack on the supporters of the Labour Party during a campaign rally in Lagos on Saturday, February 11, 2023.
The group in a press release issued by Olamilekan Lawal, the Team Lead, and Lagos Vote Not Fight Coordinator said the use of violence to silence political speech and suppress the democratic process is abhorrent and should be condemned.
Lawal said “several supporters of the Labour Party Presidential candidate were injured and some were hospitalized as a result of the attack, according to reports. This is a serious violation of the fundamental right to freedom of expression and assembly, guaranteed by the highest law of our Land, as well as an attack on the democratic process.”
Lawal thereafter appealed to the Nigerian Police to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
He also urged INEC to ensure disciplinary sanctions are meted out on erring political parties to deter future recurrence.
“We also urge all political parties and their supporters to refrain from using violence or engaging in any untoward behavior that could jeopardize the elections’ peaceful and credible conduct.
“The right to freely express one’s views and participate in the political process is a cornerstone of any democratic society. Political rallies and supporters are not to be attacked in a democratic Nigeria,” Lawal added.
He also urged all Nigerians to work together to ensure that the upcoming elections are free, fair, and peaceful and that the rights of all citizens are respected.