Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 25 election, Atiku Abubakar has cautioned political leaders across the country, especially in Lagos State to desist from actions that would promote election violence, such that can compromise peace and unity and democracy in the country.
Atiku specifically frowns at how lackeys of political leaders in Lagos State have continued to make ethnic slurs aimed at intimidating voters in the state.
“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 in the state tomorrow.
“I condemn this uncivilized behaviour and also condemn the criminal silence of the security agencies and the political leadership in Lagos State and Abuja on this development.”
Atiku insisted that every democracy is as virile as the culture of the electoral system that governs it, saying: “the democracy that we fought for and operate in Nigeria thrives on the principle of free and equal participation.
“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 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.
“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.”
