Nasarawa APC Demands Probe of Rally Violence as SDP Accuses Government of Bias

Supporters of the All Progressives Congress in Nigeria’s Nasarawa State protested in Lafia on Monday, November 9, demanding an investigation into alleged attacks on party members and disruption of Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s visit at the previous Wednesday’s presidential campaign rally. The Social Democratic Party’s campaign council accused the state government of sponsoring the protest and targeting the opposition. State APC chairman Aliyu Bello led supporters to the police command, Department of State Services command and Government House. He alleged that earlier complaints identifying suspects had not led to action. Bello demanded an investigation by the police and DSS and warned that supporters might resort to defending themselves if their complaints remained unresolved. Gaya Ahmed, the Assistant Commissioner of Police responsible for administration and finance, said police would investigate properly submitted complaints and prosecute anyone found culpable. “The IGP has made it clear that the police are neutral, and we will continue to maintain that neutrality,” Ahmed said. Deputy Governor Emmanuel Akabe, representing Governor Abdullahi Sule, criticized the security arrangements at the earlier rally. In its Monday statement, the SDP campaign council rejected the APC’s position. Its director of digital media and communications, Otaru Douglas, accused the government and ruling party of making provocative statements against opposition figures. He urged dialogue and a level playing field and warned that the opposition could organize a counter-protest.