European Union EOM- Labour Party suffered the most Violence and Attacks in Nigerian States, In seven persons killed, six of them LP members, including the LP senatorial candidate.
In a report released by the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), alarming trends of assassination attempts and attacks on candidates and campaign offices have been identified, contributing to a highly volatile environment in several Nigerian states. The report highlights specific incidents in Imo, Rivers, Enugu, Ebonyi, Osun, and Cross River, raising concerns about the state of electoral security in the country.
One of the most notable incidents occurred in the Enugu-East senatorial district on February 23, just two days before the scheduled election day. Coordinated violent attacks targeting all three leading political parties transpired, resulting in the tragic deaths of seven individuals.
Among the victims were six members of the Labour Party (LP), including the LP senatorial candidate. These incidents prompted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the elections in the affected district.
The European Union EOM report further highlighted the situation in some northern states, particularly Kano, where observers documented a pattern of systematic thug attacks on political campaigns. Notably, these attacks extended to large-scale presidential rallies, raising concerns about the safety and security of candidates and supporters. These incidents reflect a worrisome trend of violence and intimidation aimed at suppressing political activity in the region.
The findings of the European Union EOM report call for swift action to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the attacks. The report also emphasizes the importance of creating an environment that fosters peaceful and inclusive political participation, enabling all citizens to exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation.
The European Union EOM report serves as a wake-up call for Nigerian authorities and citizens alike, highlighting the imperative of safeguarding the democratic process and preserving the fundamental rights of all individuals involved in the electoral process.
The European Union Election Observation Mission quoted in their report:
“Increased numbers of assassination attempts and attacks on candidates and campaign offices contributed to a particular volatile environment in Imo, Rivers, Enugu, Ebonyi, Osun and Cross River.”
“On 23 February, two days before election day, coordinated violent attacks against all three leading parties took place in Enugu-East senatorial district resulting in seven persons killed, six of them LP members, including the LP senatorial candidate. Subsequently, INEC postponed the elections in the district. In some northern states, most particularly Kano, EU EOM observers reported systematic thug attacks on campaigns, including at large-scale presidential rallies.” the EU EOM added on Page 11.