A group, Afenifere Innovative Group, has called on political gladiators and their followers to shun violence before, during and after the July 12 Lagos State Local Government Election.
The spokesperson of the Yaba Branch of the group, Mr Suleiman Mustapha, made this call in a statement yesterday in Lagos.
Mustapha said that the need to ensure peaceful election was one of the things highlighted during the group’s interactive session and sensitisation programme on Thursday.
He said that the call had become imperative following the growing disunity in some local All Progressive Congress,APC, leaderships in the state, especially in Lagos Mainland and Yaba LCDA.
According to him, ”The tension has placed both Yaba LCDA and Lagos Mainland in a precarious position, hindering the effective delivery of democratic dividends”.
He called on youths within both communities to actively participate in the democratic process and shun acts that could undermine it.
“We call on our youths to embrace peace and avoid violence, especially acts being instigated by elements within the local leadership.
“A divided leadership is detrimental to progress, and we must work together to restore unity and purpose”, he said.
He said that the group was concerned about reinforcing unity and encouraging compliance with party directives.
Mustapha applauded APC for its empowerment programmes, targeted at young people, reiterating the group’s support for the party’s decision to adopt indirect primaries for its primaries on Saturday.
“This method is a step in the right direction. It will help curb bloodshed and reduce the atmosphere of fear among party members”, he added.
He reaffirmed the group’s commitment to peaceful engagement, political participation, and sustained support for the APC and its policies.
