The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Katsina State has urged opposition parties to ensure that their supporters conduct political campaigns peacefully and avoid actions capable of triggering violence.
The party also called on politicians and their supporters to carry their campaign banners and other political displays during rallies to prevent possible confrontations and clashes among supporters of different political parties.
Nigerian Post reports that the appeal followed a violent incident in parts of Funtua Senatorial District, which reportedly resulted in the destruction of vehicles and injuries to some travellers in Malumfashi and Kankara local government areas.
In a statement issued by the Director of Media and Publicity of the Tinubu/Dikko 2027 Campaign Committee, Ahmed Abdulkadir, the committee expressed concern over the incident and condemned the use of violence to pursue political interests.
The statement said reports received by the committee indicated that several vehicles were damaged during the clashes, while some travellers sustained injuries.
The committee stressed that political differences should never be used as an excuse for violence, intimidation, the use of weapons or preventing members of the public from going about their lawful activities.
It maintained that politics should be based on peaceful engagement, the presentation of policies and the persuasion of voters rather than intimidation, harassment or the use of force.
The committee also called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, identify those responsible and ensure that they are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
It further urged political party leaders and their supporters to refrain from inflammatory statements and the circulation of unverified information capable of escalating tensions.
The committee emphasised that the protection of lives and property, as well as the maintenance of peace, must remain priorities in all political activities, particularly as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
It added that political differences should not become a source of hostility, violence or the denial of citizens’ rights.
