PANDEF speaks out against political violence in South-south, urges safe rally locations

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has condemned the ongoing political violence in the South-south region as the 2027 general elections approach. They are calling on political parties to hold their rallies in safe venues to avoid more attacks.

PANDEF is the main socio-political group for Nigeria's South-south zone. They see these violent incidents as a risk to peace and democratic values in the Niger Delta.

Godknows Igali, the National Chairman of PANDEF, made this known in a statement on Monday. He warned political figures against thuggery, intimidation, and violence.

Igali said the South-south people are known for their peaceful nature. He urged political leaders to maintain the region's culture of tolerance and coexistence.

"PANDEF wants to remind everyone that violence, intimidation, and political thuggery do not reflect the spirit and values of the South-south people. These are not what we learned from our founding fathers and must be preserved," he stated.

He asked political leaders to show maturity in settling differences. They should promote peace instead of encouraging their followers to resort to violence.

"The Forum reminds all leaders, supporters, and stakeholders of political parties to act maturely. They should embrace sportsmanship in handling political disagreements when they come up.

"Political leaders must recognize their duty to guide their followers. They should discourage any inflammatory remarks, provocation, or behavior that could lead to violence," he added.

PANDEF also warned the youths in the Niger Delta not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs during and after the elections.

"PANDEF appeals to the youths of the Niger Delta not to be used as tools for political violence or intimidation.

"Our young people are crucial to our democratic governance and the future of our region. They should focus on peaceful and positive political activism. This must not be sacrificed for the selfish interests of a few political figures," he said.

This condemnation comes after several violent incidents involving political supporters in the South-south region in recent weeks.

In September, suspected political thugs disrupted a rally for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in Warri, Delta State.

Esther Umoh, a photographer with Mr Obi, said the attackers shot at members of the campaign team, including the party’s Delta State governorship candidate's entourage. The details surrounding the incident have not been verified.

Mr Obi’s convoy was attacked on November 4 around Watt Market Roundabout in Calabar, Cross River State. This happened while he was returning from a meeting at the palace of the Obong of Calabar to the Metropolitan Hotel. Suspected hoodlums attacked the vehicles with sticks and machetes, breaking some windows.

The Cross River State Police Command arrested a 27-year-old suspect named Victor Duke in relation to the incident. They said investigations are ongoing to find other suspects.

On November 7, a political procession by NDC supporters in Asaba, Delta State, turned violent. This left one person dead and five others injured, according to police reports.

The Delta State Police Command said it had received warnings about possible violence before the procession. They advised the organizers to avoid an open-road rally and suggested using a designated venue instead.

This incident has caused a stir, with the state government criticizing the organizers for ignoring police advice. Political figures have also called for investigations into the violence.

Igali urged the Nigeria Police Force, the State Security Services (SSS), and other security agencies to investigate these incidents. They should find those responsible and hold them accountable to discourage future violence.

"We call on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to conduct thorough investigations in all locations. They should identify and arrest those responsible and ensure they face justice," he said.

Igali also advised political parties to host campaigns and rallies in secure locations with good security arrangements. This will help prevent further violence.

"We suggest that political parties and their leaders should organize rallies in properly secured venues. They should have adequate security arrangements in place for crowd control to reduce the risk of clashes and protect everyone involved.

"We call on all stakeholders to prioritize the collective interest of our region over personal interests. We must work together to maintain peace, protect lives and property, and uphold the values that unite us as a people."