Bayelsa: Campaign for Democracy demands sanction against APC dep gov candidate for inciting violence

For inciting party supporters to violence and threat to lives of opposition supporters in the upcoming November 11th Governorship election in Bayelsa State, the Campaign for Democracy, a non-partisan civic group dedicated to upholding democratic principles has called for sanctioning of the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Joshua Maciver.

Maciver during a campaign at Twon Brass town, urged APC supporters to attack and kill anyone who stood the way of the party during the election.

CAPITAL POST recalled that INEC has delisted the governorship candidate of the APC, Timipre Sylva and his running mate, Maciver, following a court judgment which barred the duo.

Meanwile, Olufemi Lawson, General-Secretary of Campaign for Democracy in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, said such utterances do not only undermine the very essence of our democratic ethos, but could lead to the breakdown of law and order.

“The Campaign for Democracy condemns any act of violence, hatred, or incitement to violence in the strongest terms possible. We believe that elections should be platforms for discussing ideas, policies, and the future of our state, not arenas for fomenting discord and promoting violence,” the statement read.

It further noted that “Maciver’s resort to inciting violence during the party’s campaign in Twon Brass is thus deeply troubling. It is essential that political actors, especially those seeking public office, maintain the highest standards of civility, responsibility, and respect for the rule of law. When a candidate engages in actions that encourage violence or disrupt the peace, they undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

“We believe that it contraves various provisions of the laws of Nigeria, including but not limited to Section 92(2) of the Electoral Act, which stipulates santion for offenders. The law expressly prohibites the use of abusive, intemperate, slanderous, or base language or insinuation campaigns or innuendoes designed or likely to provoke violent reactions or emotions in political campaigns.

“We hereby call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant security agencies to enforce the applicable law(s) and immediately sanction Mr Maciver for his conduct, as evident in the video and his previous involvement in other conduct capable of inciting violence, ahead of the coming governorship election.

“We urge the leadership of the APC in Bayelsa State to publicly disassociate itself and condemn any acts of violence associated with their campaign, emphasizing their commitment to peaceful and responsible politics.

“We believe that the forthcoming governorship election in Bayelsa State should be conducted in an atmosphere of peace, transparency, and fairness, free from intimidation and violence. We call on all political parties and their candidates to uphold the principles of democracy and respect for the rule of law.

“The Campaign for Democracy will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for a peaceful and credible electoral process in Bayelsa State. We urge all citizens to be vigilant and committed to the cause of democracy, peace, and good governance.”