The Imo State chapter of the Action Peoples Party, APP, has condemned the alleged invasion and disruption of a town hall meeting organised by the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in Umuoyima Community, Owerri Municipal Council Area of the state.
The party said the condemnation followed the circulation of a viral video allegedly showing an aide to Governor Hope Uzodimma and suspected political thugs disrupting the meeting and chasing participants away.
According to the APP, several people reportedly sustained injuries during the incident, while others were taken to hospital for treatment.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Publicity Secretary, Steve Nnadi, the party described the alleged attack as disturbing, unacceptable and inconsistent with the principles of constitutional democracy, political tolerance and the rights guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution.
The APP stressed that every registered political party, pressure group and political association has the constitutional right to assemble peacefully, hold meetings and associate freely without intimidation, harassment or violence.
The party expressed concern that the incident allegedly occurred only days after the reported disruption of a meeting involving its House of Assembly candidate for Ideato North State Constituency, Mbadiwe Ogugua, in Arondizuogu, Ideato North Local Government Area.
According to the party, the recurrence of such incidents raises serious concerns about increasing political intolerance in the state.
“The recurrence of such incidents raises serious concerns about the growing atmosphere of political intolerance in Imo State.
“The Action Peoples Party firmly believes that democracy can only thrive where political parties and their supporters are allowed to freely express their views, canvass support and participate in the democratic process without intimidation or unlawful interference.
“Resorting to violence, harassment or the disruption of political activities does not strengthen democracy; rather, it undermines public confidence in the electoral process and threatens the peace and stability of the state,” the statement said.
The APP called on Governor Hope Uzodimma to caution his political appointees, aides, supporters and party faithful against acts capable of undermining democratic processes.
The party also urged the Imo State Police Command to investigate the incident and prosecute anyone found culpable in accordance with the law.
It further appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security agencies to ensure that all political parties enjoy equal protection and the freedom to conduct lawful political activities without intimidation.
The APP reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful and lawful political engagement, urging its members and supporters to remain calm and disciplined despite what it described as acts of harassment and intimidation.
The party added that no amount of intimidation or political harassment would deter it from participating actively in the democratic process or pursuing its goal of providing credible leadership for the people of Imo State.
It also urged all political actors to embrace civility, respect the rule of law and allow democracy to flourish in the state.
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