The Action Peoples Party, APP, Imo State Chapter, has strongly condemned the alleged invasion and disruption of the Town Hall Meeting organised by the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, held on Tuesday, at Umuoyima Community in Owerri Municipal Council Area of the state.
The party said the strong condemnation follows the circulation of a viral video which captured an aide of the gvernor, alongside alleged political thugs at the meeting venue, chasing participants away, and disrupting the peaceful gathering.
The party alleged that several persons sustained injuries during the incident, while others were rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
APP stated that it views the allegations as deeply disturbing, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of constitutional democracy, political tolerance, and the fundamental rights guaranteed to every Nigerian under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
lt further noted that every registered political party, pressure group, and political association has the constitutional right to assemble peacefully, hold meetings, and freely associate without intimidation, harassment, or fear of violence.
The opposition party said it was regrettable that the incident allegedly occurred barely days after the reported disruption of a lawful meeting involving the APP House of Assembly candidate for Ideato North State Constituency, Mbadiwe Ogugua, in Arondizuogu Ideato North Local Government Area.
This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the party’s publicity Secretary, Steve Nnadi and made available to newsmen in Owerri.
“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 party called on Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State, to immediately call all his political appointees, aides, supporters, and party faithful to order, and ensure that no individual, regardless of status or political affiliation, takes the law into his or her own hands.
The party also asked the Commissioner of Police Imo State command to swing into action and unravel those involved in the dastardly act and prosecute them in line with the extant laws of the federal republic of Nigeria.
“We also call on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and all relevant security agencies to remain vigilant, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that every political party enjoys equal protection and freedom to conduct its lawful political activities without fear or molestation.
“Any proven violation of the law should be thoroughly investigated and those found culpable should be held accountable in accordance with due processThe Action Peoples Party remains a peaceful, law abiding, and democratic political party.
“We shall continue to mobilise our members and supporters across the state through lawful means, and we encourage them to remain calm, disciplined, and steadfast despite every form of alleged harassment or intimidation.
“No amount of intimidation, political harassment, or alleged sponsored attacks will diminish the resolve of the Action Peoples Party to participate actively in the democratic process.
“Our commitment to offering the people of Imo State credible leadership and a better democratic alternative remains unwavering.
The Action Peoples Party once again condemns, in the strongest possible terms, every act of political violence, intimidation, and disruption of lawful political gatherings.
The party urged all political actors to embrace civility, respect the rule of law, and allow democracy to flourish in Imo State.
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