•••Atiku, Saraki React
The Peoples Democratic Party has accused the All Progressives Congress of being behind the attack on its presidential campaign rallies in Kaduna and Zamfara States.
The PDP spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, in a statement who accused the APC of attacks m called on the President, President Muhammadu Buhari to call caution his party and ensure adequate security for a free, fair and credible electoral process in the country.
Thugs killed a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Monday after attacking the party’s rally in Zamfara State.
“The attack today by the APC must give well-meaning Nigerians concern as some reports alleged that the vicious assault on the PDP presidential campaign was spearheaded by the APC governorship candidate in Kaduna State.
“The APC is intimidated by Atiku Abubakar’s popularity and acceptance among the majority of Nigerians following their confidence in Atiku Abubakar’s practical experience, record, capacity, broad-mindedness, Pan-Nigerianism and willpower to unite our nation, revamp our devastated economy and guarantee the security of lives and property in our country.
“In any case, our party is undeterred by such cowardly attack as Nigerians are already connected with our issue-based campaign and Atiku Abubakar’s message of hope which is already resonating throughout the nooks and crannies of our country.’’ Ologunagba stated.
The presidential candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Abubakar, condemned the attacks in Kaduna and Zamfara States, which led to the death of a PDP member.
According to Atiku, what happened in the two states were strictly attempts to frustrate the legitimate campaigns of the party in the states.
Hoodlums on Monday invaded the People’s Democratic Party presidential campaign rally in Kaduna and attack on the crowd.
According to the PDP, members the ALL Progressives Congress hired urchins invaded the Ranchers Bees Stadium venue with sticks and machetes and attack the crowd, leaving many injured.
It was learned that street urchins stormed the venue three times until the security operatives chased them away and repelled the hoodlums.
Atiku Abubakar in a statement he signed on Monday stated that the actions deserved to be condemned.
He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to call on all parties, to caution APC supporters in order and to ensure that campaigns, just as with the elections themselves, are kept free, fair and safe.
“I have received reports of coordinated attacks on members of our great party, the PDP, by thugs in Zamfara State, which reportedly led to the death of one of our members.
“I condemn these attacks entirely because they are attempts to scuttle the lawful right of Nigerians to assemble peacefully and a direct attempt to suppress the legitimate campaigns of the PDP in the state.
“I reassure the Zamfara State PDP of my support, and most importantly, my heart goes out to the PDP family in Zamfara and the friends and loved ones of victims of this attack.” He said.
Apart from the Kaduna attack, a PDP presidential campaign rally was attacked in Zamfara.
Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, of the Media Office to Bukola Saraki, in a statement described the attack on PDP, as a return to the dark days of politics in the country.
Saraki condemned the attacks in Zamfara stating that the attacks on PDP supporters at the party’s rallies in Kaduna and Zamfara were anti-democratic process.
He said the attacks were not just a threat to the nation’s democracy but an indication that some elements were still bent on sabotaging and undermining the success of next year’s general elections.
“This sad development is a big setback for our democracy. It represents a slap on the face of all Nigerians. It made a mess of all the efforts of the eminent men and women who constitute the National Peace Committee which just recently got all leading presidential candidates, their party chieftains, and spokesmen to sign an accord to promote peace and unity before, during, and after the elections.
“Both the sponsors and perpetrators of these criminal acts should be treated as top enemies of the state. They should be exposed and made to face the wrath of the law in such a manner that others who harbour this evil intent will take this case as a big deterrence.” The statement said.