By Emmanuel Oloniruha
A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Emmanuel Ogidi, has called for a comprehensive investigation into the recent political tension in Edo.
Ogidi, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, described the recent hostilities involving prominent political figures as a “bad omen” for the nation’s democracy, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said it was unacceptable for the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, former National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and leaders of African Democratic Congress (ADC) to be subjected to such a condition.
The PDP chieftain urged President Bola Tinubu to direct security agencies to immediately investigate reported threats to the lives of ADC members and ensure that those behind such incidents were prosecuted.
According to him, decisive steps must be taken to prevent a recurrence and to shield Nigeria’s political landscape from preventable violence.
“It is unfortunate that we have reduced political contests to this level. First, it was attacks by bandits and herdsmen; now, politicians are going after one another.
“You can also see what happened in Abuja during the elections on Saturday, where some sponsored political thugs disrupted the process in Abaji Area Council.
“I call on Mr President to investigate these incidents. The matter must be investigated and the culprits brought to book,” he said.
Ogidi called for political tolerance among actors, stressing that the culture of “personal entitlement” in the country’s politics must end.
“What is happening now will make many people afraid of coming out for future elections. We must not allow this to happen,” he said.
The PDP chieftain, however, advised Nigerians not to allow any group to instill fear in them, stating that “Nigeria belongs to all of us.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
OBE/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq
