.Demands level playing field
Cosmas Chukwu, Enugu
The Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Enugu State Chapter, has condemned what it describes as disturbing reports and viral video footage alleging attacks on members and supporters of opposition political parties in parts of Enugu State.
The Assembly is calling on the Enugu State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, other security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Federal Government to take the necessary steps to safeguard political activities and ensure a peaceful, credible and inclusive environment ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The call was made by the leadership of the Assembly, led by Amb. Chidubem JP, State Ambassador of YAN Enugu State Chapter, following what the organisation described as repeated reports of alleged attacks involving political supporters in Akpugo and Obe communities in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Speaking on the matter, Chidubem expressed concern over the reported incidents and their potential implications for political participation in the state.
“We have seen viral reports and video footage alleging that opposition parties and their supporters have been attacked in parts of Enugu State. We condemn every act of political violence, intimidation or harassment, regardless of the political party or individuals involved.”
According to him, political disagreements are an essential part of democracy, but such disagreements must never degenerate into violence.
He stressed that no political party, candidate or supporter should be prevented from freely expressing political opinions, organising meetings, campaigning or participating in the democratic process through intimidation or violence.
YAN Enugu therefore called on security agencies to conduct an impartial investigation into the reported incidents, identify those responsible where wrongdoing is established, and ensure that the law is applied fairly to everyone.
The Assembly maintained that the 2027 elections must be about the choices of the people and not about who can intimidate, threaten or overpower political opponents.
YAN Enugu believes that the right of citizens to participate freely in political activities is fundamental to democracy. Any environment where citizens become afraid to attend political meetings, support candidates of their choice or express their opinions threatens public confidence in the electoral process.
The Assembly therefore urged all political parties and their supporters to reject violence, hate speech, provocation and political thuggery, while calling on security agencies to remain neutral and professional in protecting all citizens.
“The people of Enugu State must be allowed to make their political choices without fear. Democracy cannot thrive where citizens are intimidated into silence. We stand for justice, fairness, peace and equity, and we will continue to lend our voice whenever these values are threatened.”
YAN Enugu also expressed concern about the financial barriers surrounding political participation, particularly the growing cost of campaign activities.
The Assembly called attention to reports of very high charges associated with billboards, outdoor advertising and other campaign-related activities in some South-East states, including figures reportedly running into tens or even hundreds of millions of naira.
YAN stressed that such reports should be properly examined by the appropriate authorities, particularly where public regulatory or administrative charges could have the effect of making legitimate political participation accessible only to the wealthiest candidates.
“If the cost of simply displaying campaign materials becomes extraordinarily expensive, we risk creating a democracy where only the financially powerful can effectively participate. Democracy should give every qualified citizen an opportunity to participate, not create financial barriers that discourage young people and ordinary citizens from coming forward.”
The Assembly emphasised that young Nigerians should not be discouraged from political participation by excessive or unexplained financial requirements.
YAN Enugu is therefore urging relevant authorities to ensure that all fees, charges and regulations affecting political parties and candidates are transparent, reasonable, properly authorised and applied fairly without discrimination.
The Assembly further called on relevant regulatory authorities to review any charges that may unnecessarily restrict political participation, particularly for young candidates and emerging political movements with limited financial resources.
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