By MAA
A RESPONSE TO ELDER JONAH OGBOLE
My dear Elder Jonah Ogbole,
Thank you for raising these pertinent questions. They are relevant to understanding the unfortunate developments surrounding the APC rally and deserve straightforward responses. I will address them in the order presented.
1. Which group provoked the other, and what was the sequence of events?
From the accounts available, the IG Gauna group had earlier demonstrated hostility at the Emir of Lafia’s palace during the traditional courtesy visit of the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, through heckling, angry outbursts and verbal provocations.
That incident is relevant because it suggests that the tension did not originate exclusively at the APC rally.
At the rally itself, my understanding is that members of the IG Gauna group initiated the disruption by bulldozing their way from behind, apparently causing stampede and also heckling Governor Abdullahi A. Sule while he was delivering his address. Reports also indicated the throwing of stones and sachets of water, the destruction of flags and attempts to disrupt the proceedings. The Governor and Wadada’s supporters reportedly resisted the disruption, and the situation was eventually brought under control when the Police fired canisters of teargas at the Thugees.
Nevertheless, the precise sequence of physical confrontations, including who initiated each incident and the extent of individual involvement, should be established through witness accounts, video recordings and the DSS investigation.
2. Was there genuine solidarity between SDP/IG Gauna and APC at the rally?
I respectfully submit that there is a fundamental distinction between supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election and supporting the APC as a political organisation in Nasarawa State.
The reported endorsement of PBAT by elements of the SDP or the IG Gauna political group does not automatically translate into solidarity with APC’s governorship candidate, Governor Abdullahi A. Sule, or its chosen candidate, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada.
Indeed, the two political objectives are not necessarily mutually reinforcing.
My concern is that what is being presented as solidarity with PBAT could, in practice, be a politically calculated arrangement intended to weaken APC’s electoral prospects in Nasarawa State while maintaining an appearance of support for the President.
Political support must be assessed by its sincerity, consistency and practical consequences, not merely by public declarations.
One cannot reasonably claim to support the President while deliberately undermining the political platform through which his re-election is being pursued, without explaining the apparent contradiction.
3. Should the events surrounding the APC primary election justify yesterday’s disruption?
An Wuce Nan! That matter has passed, and the party must move forward.
Whatever grievances may have arisen during the APC governorship primary, they should have been addressed through established party mechanisms and democratic procedures.
No disagreement over a primary election justifies intimidation, violence, destruction of campaign materials or the disruption of a political rally.
If individuals felt aggrieved by the outcome, they had legitimate channels through which to express their dissatisfaction.
Political disagreements must not become excuses for disorder.
The reported conduct at the rally, if established, was unacceptable and inconsistent with democratic political engagement.
4. What could have motivated the two groups, particularly the group that initiated the disruption?
This is perhaps the most important question, and it is precisely where a thorough investigation becomes necessary.
My assessment, based on the sequence of events and the political circumstances, is that the immediate objective may have been to embarrass Governor Abdullahi A. Sule, undermine the political legitimacy of Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada’s emergence and create the impression that the governorship candidacy was imposed against the wishes of significant political stakeholders.
This interpretation is also informed by the reported public position of former Governor Senator Tanko Al-Makura concerning Wadada’s emergence.
However, motive, individual responsibility and possible sponsorship must not be confused. These are matters requiring evidence, corroboration and proper investigation.
The DSS should establish whether the disruption was spontaneous, organised, politically motivated or supported by individuals operating behind the scenes. It should also identify the respective roles of all parties involved.
5. THE SSG MEMORANDUM AND THE NEED FOR AN IMPARTIAL INVESTIGATION
On this point, I commend the Nasarawa State Government for referring the matter to the appropriate security authorities.
In my assessment, the statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government was an administrative response intended to draw attention to the security concerns and request further investigation.
I consider its decision to refer the matter to the DSS appropriate. Nevertheless, the names mentioned must remain subjects of investigation, not persons presumed guilty.
The DSS must independently establish the facts, verify available intelligence, identify the perpetrators, investigate possible sponsors and determine whether any criminal offences were committed.
No individual should be shielded by political influence, former public office or party affiliation. Equally, nobody should be condemned without evidence.
MY CONCLUSION
Elder Jonah, I believe we must separate political grievances from criminal conduct and distinguish legitimate political competition from deliberate attempts to undermine public order.
The right to disagree with a party’s choice of candidate is sacrosanct. However, that right does not extend to intimidation, violence or the disruption of lawful political activities.
APC is a democratic institution, and its internal disagreements should be resolved through dialogue, reconciliation and established party procedures.
Governor Abdullahi A. Sule deserves the respect accorded to his office, just as Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada deserves the opportunity to consolidate his political standing without intimidation.
Ultimately, the security and political stability of Nasarawa State must take precedence over individual ambitions and factional interests.
Let the facts speak, let the DSS investigate, let the law take its course, and let political differences be settled through democratic means rather than confrontation.
That is my position.
