The cancellation of the planned campaign rally for Atiku Abubakar, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, in Rivers State has once again brought to the fore the issue of political violence in Nigeria.
The Rivers State PDP Presidential Campaign Council cited concerns over potential loss of life due to violence and attacks on supporters in the state as the reason for the cancellation, News About Nigeria reports.
The Chairman, Senator Lee Maeba, during a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday, recalled the several attacks against PDP members and Atiku’s supporters in the last three months in the state. He accused the Rivers State Government of sealing businesses belonging to party members who support Abubakar’s bid for presidency, and of unleashing unrelenting violence, making the peaceful use of the facility impossible, among other things.
The cancellation of the campaign rally is not the first of such incidents in Nigeria. Political violence and attacks on supporters during election campaigns have become a recurring theme in the country’s democratic process. The 2019 general elections, for instance, were marred by incidents of violence in different parts of the country.
Nigeria has a history of political violence, with rival political groups and their supporters often clashing during election campaigns. In many instances, these clashes have led to the loss of lives and property.
It is important to note that political violence is not unique to Nigeria. It is a phenomenon that has plagued many countries around the world, especially in Africa. However, it is crucial for the Nigerian government to take steps to address the issue of political violence in the country, especially in the run-up to the 2023 general elections.
One of the ways to address this issue is to ensure that the perpetrators of political violence are brought to justice. There should be no sacred cows when it comes to prosecuting those who engage in political violence. The government must ensure that the police are adequately equipped to deal with any security challenges that may arise during election campaigns.
In addition, political leaders must take responsibility for their actions and utterances during election campaigns. They must refrain from making inflammatory statements that could incite violence among their supporters. The media also has a critical role to play in this regard. They must be responsible in their reporting, avoiding sensationalism and sensational headlines that could trigger violence.
Political violence is a serious problem that must be addressed if Nigeria’s democracy is to flourish. The cancellation of the PDP presidential campaign rally in Rivers State due to concerns over potential loss of life is a reminder of the urgent need to address this issue. The government, political leaders, and the media all have a critical role to play in ensuring that election campaigns are free of violence and that the democratic process is allowed to flourish.
