By Rayyanu Bala

In every democratic society, citizens have the constitutional right to freely associate with any political party of their choice. People can join, leave, or support any political movement they believe best represents their interests and aspirations. This freedom is one of the foundations of democracy and should always be respected.
However, while supporters of former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar Adamu are fully entitled to leave the APC and align themselves with another political platform, it is important to understand that political freedom comes with responsibility. Leaving a political party should not translate into acts that can provoke tension, hostility, or violence within our communities.
We are all living witnesses to how supporters of former IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu are moving from street to street and neighborhood to neighborhood across Lafia and beyond, burning APC brooms and party flags as a symbolic demonstration of their departure from the APC.
Such actions are unnecessary and capable of inflaming passions among political party supporters. Democracy thrives on tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful competition of ideas—not on symbolic acts of destruction designed to provoke APC supporters.
APC symbols—whether flags, logos, or emblems—represent the beliefs and affiliations of millions of citizens who are card-carrying members of the party. Publicly destroying these symbols can be interpreted as an act of contempt toward fellow citizens who continue to support the APC. Such actions may easily provoke avoidable confrontations and further deepen the political party crisis.
Across the world, democratic norms encourage peaceful political engagement and respect for differing opinions. While individuals are free to express dissatisfaction with a political party, there are more constructive and civil ways to communicate their position. Political disagreements should be settled through dialogue, campaigns, voting, and lawful civic engagement rather than actions that may incite emotions and trigger unrest.
Nasarawa state has experienced enough political tensions in the past to understand the dangers of provocative conduct. At a time when citizens are calling for unity, development, and peaceful coexistence, political actors and their supporters should avoid actions that could threaten public order or undermine social harmony.
Security agencies also have a responsibility to remain vigilant and proactive. Their role is not to suppress lawful political activities but to ensure that public conduct remains peaceful and within the bounds of the law. Where actions are capable of causing breaches of peace or provoking violence, appropriate preventive measures should be taken.
Ultimately, democracy is strengthened when political competition is conducted with maturity, respect, and restraint. Citizens should be free to choose their political paths, but they should do so in a manner that promotes peace rather than crisis. Political transitions are normal in a democracy; what matters is that the transition should occur with dignity, responsibility, and respect for the rights of others.
Nasarawa’s progress depends not only on political participation but also on the collective commitment of all citizens to preserve peace and stability. No political disagreement is worth endangering the peace of the citizens.