The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Lagos Central senatorialdistrict, Ladipo Johnson, has cautioned candidates and political parties against violence, intimidation and attacks on opponents.

Mr Johnson, in an interview in Lagos on Tuesday, said political violence violates democratic values and Nigeria’s electoral laws, which prohibit threats, intimidation and the use of force to influence political participation.

The candidate, who is also a lawyer, cited Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibit abusive, inflammatory campaign language capable of provoking violence and threats of force against individuals during campaigns.

He said Section 93(2) provides for a maximum fine of N1 million or 12 months imprisonment for individuals found guilty, while political parties are liable to a N2 million fine for a first offence and N500,000 for subsequent offences.

“The law is clear that no political party, candidate or group of persons should directly or indirectly threaten anyone with force or violence to compel them to support or reject a political party or candidate.

“Political competition should be based on ideas, policies, programmes and the ability to provide effective representation, rather than intimidation, harassment or physical attacks,” he said.

Mr Johnson noted that political violence had far-reaching consequences beyond legal sanctions, including deepening ethnic and political divisions, discouraging voter participation and undermining public confidence in the democratic process.

He described attacks on political candidates as an assault on democratic participation, citing the reported targeting of Omoyele Sowore in Ekiti State and the destruction of opposition campaign materials as worrisome developments.

He stated, “Attacking a political candidate is unacceptable, regardless of the political party or ideology involved.

“Every candidate has the constitutional right to campaign, engage voters and present their programmes without fear of intimidation or violence.”

He urged security agencies to investigate reported cases of political attacks, identify those responsible and ensure perpetrators were brought to justice irrespective of political affiliation.

Mr Johnson also called on political parties and their supporters to educate their members on peaceful political engagement.

He said the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process depended largely on the ability of citizens to exercise their political rights freely and safely. 

(NAN)