By Archibong Esuene Former Secretary to the Nasarawa State Government Chief Philip Dada, has condemned recent attack in Lafia on the wife of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Nasarawa State, describing the incident as a disturbing development capable of undermining the peaceful conduct of the 2027 general elections. Dada, who spoke with journalists at his country home in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, called on political parties and their supporters to shun violence, hate speech and other forms of political intolerance ahead of the elections and stressed that Nasarawa State is bigger than any individual or political party. He urged stakeholders to protect the peace for which the state is known, and suggested that all political parties in the state should sign a peace accord renouncing violence. “I received with shock the report of an attack on the wife of the APC governorship candidate in Lafia," he told the newsmen. "This ungodly act of political hooliganism is highly condemnable in the strongest terms,” he said. The former governorship aspirant said the only legitimate route to victory in 2027 was through “ideas, service and votes,” not violence or intimidation and urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice. He further warned that attacks on family members of political candidates could discourage women from participating actively in political campaigns and leadership while creating fear among voters, women and party supporters. “In democracy, opponents debate policies; they do not attack families. When spouses of candidates are targeted, it sends a message that no one is safe, not voters, not women leaders, not party supporters,” Dada asserted. He further warned that failure to address such incidents promptly could trigger reprisals and create a cycle of political violence ahead of the elections. He equally urged politicians and their supporters to moderate their rhetoric and refrain from spreading hate speech and fake news capable of heightening tension in the state, noting that political differences should not be allowed to degenerate into violence, adding that the interest of the State must remain paramount throughout the 2027 electoral process.

Posted: 2months ago

Author: Editor in Chief

Current date: 18 October 2026