IPAC Condemns Police Assault on YPP Candidate in Anambra Election

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has condemned the police assault on Okonkwo Onyemaobi Kenneth, the Young Progressive Party (YPP) councillorship candidate for Otolo Ward 1 in Nnewi North Local Government Area, during the recent Anambra State local government elections.

In a statement issued by Chinyere Kalu, IPAC’s National Publicity Secretary, the council described the attack as “outrageous, barbaric, and despicable.”

IPAC expressed outrage that police officers used tear gas to subdue Kenneth, who lives with a disability and was only at the polling unit to exercise his right to vote.

“Instead of receiving protection, he was assaulted and dehumanized in an unwarranted show of force, which resulted in his hospitalization,” the statement read.

IPAC called on the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, and the Inspector General of Police to investigate the incident and ensure the officers responsible are sanctioned.

“There are no second-class citizens in this country. Nigerians should be treated with respect and dignity, especially while exercising their civic rights,” the council stated.

Emphasizing the importance of police neutrality in elections, IPAC warned that such brutality undermines democracy.

“The police are deployed to polling units to provide security, not to disrupt elections or assault opposition candidates and voters,” the statement added.

The council reaffirmed its commitment to free, fair, and inclusive elections, noting that peaceful elections are fundamental to sustainable democracy and national development.

“All stakeholders must respect the will of the people to deepen Nigeria’s democracy,” IPAC said, calling on all Nigerians to reject violence in the electoral process.

“Police brutality has no place in democracy, and we will pursue this matter to ensure justice is served,” IPAC vowed.