On February 11, LAGOS (Reuters) Peter Obi, a candidate for president of Nigeria from the opposition Labour Party, claimed that his supporters were harassed and hurt on Saturday before a rally in Lagos, the country’s commercial center and a bastion for the ruling party, Entrepreneurng report.
Prior to the parliamentary and presidential elections on February 25, there have been several incidents of political violence in Africa’s most populous country between supporters of opposing parties.
In a statement, Obi urged authorities to look into attacks on members of the political opposition that are frequently stoked by the inflammatory rhetoric of political leaders.
Although the perpetrator of the incident was not immediately known, local news stations broadcast images of many damaged cars with Labour Party emblems and injured demonstration attendees receiving medical attention at the rally’s location in downtown Lagos. Police in the area were silent at the time.
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At the event, Obi promised supporters that he would professionalize the police, put an end to the oil thefts that have impeded Niger Delta production, and enhance security to enable farmers to increase agricultural output.
Although Obi is in the lead in several polls, the contest is predicted to be close. Obi’s core support base consists of young voters who are fed up with unemployment, pervasive corruption, and economic challenges.
Obi will compete against Bola Tinubu, the incumbent All Progressives Congress candidate and former vice president of Nigeria, as well as Atiku Abubakar, the leader of the main opposition People’s Democratic Party.
The 61-year-old contender appealed for non-violent electioneering and promised citizens a new and peaceful society as his followers gathered at rallies and neighborhood markets in Nigeria.
President Muhammadu Buhari has completed his two-term maximum and will be succeeded by the winner of the election on February 25.
He said this while speaking at a rally on Saturday in Lagos: “On the 25th, please leave. Elect the Labor Party. Vote that day and stay put until the votes are tallied. You have every date. A new Nigeria will start after we win the election.”to be
He spoke after hearing stories of supporters being attacked with machetes and other weapons as they traveled to the demonstration in Lagos’ Tafawa Balewa Square.
In his remarks to his audience, Obi also criticized the security forces for intimidating residents and vowed to apologize for any violence the police may have perpetrated.
“All individuals who have been hurt by police brutality will get our condolences. We shall extend our sincere apologies to everyone who has been harmed by the administration. We’ll make sure that doesn’t happen again. Nigeria will have peaceful government.”
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In conclusion, Obi stated that he wanted to make gas more profitable than oil and that his administration would be good for business.
