By joshua LET POLITICS NOT DESTROY OUR BROTHERHOOD: KOGI IPAC CONDEMNS ATTACK ON ADC MEMBERS, DEMANDS JUSTICE
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Kogi State has strongly condemned the reported attack on members and supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kogi East, describing the incident as unacceptable, barbaric and a direct threat to democratic values.
In a statement signed by its State Chairman, Hon. Iliyas Badanga, IPAC said there can be no justification for political violence in a democratic society, stressing that no political disagreement should become a licence to threaten or take human life.
“Politics must never become a justification for violence. No political ambition is worth the life of another human being. No election is worth the blood of any man or woman. Brothers must not kill brothers because of another person’s political ambition,” Badanga declared.
The IPAC Chairman reminded political actors that before party affiliation, Kogites are bound by common heritage, shared history and a common future as brothers and sisters, warning that political differences must never be allowed to destroy the unity of the state.
He called on all political leaders, candidates, supporters, youths and community stakeholders to exercise restraint and uphold civility as campaign activities for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
According to him, the 2027 election in Kogi must be a contest of ideas, competence, character and vision, and not a contest of violence, intimidation and fear.
Hon. Badanga was emphatic that IPAC will not tolerate further attacks on political party members or supporters. He vowed that the Council shall seek justice through lawful and constitutional means and demanded that everyone involved in the Kogi East attack, irrespective of who may be backing, sponsoring or protecting them, must be identified and brought to justice.
“No individual is above the law, and no political influence should be allowed to shield anyone from accountability. Those found culpable must face the full weight of the law,” he stated.
He, however, cautioned against reprisal attacks, noting that the response to violence should never be violence. “We will not descend into the same conduct we condemn. We will stand firmly on the side of law, justice and democratic values,” he added.
The IPAC Chairman urged security agencies to act swiftly, professionally and impartially, stressing that every citizen has a right to life, dignity and security, and every participant in the democratic process deserves to campaign without fear of attack or intimidation.
He also appealed to youths across the state not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of political violence, warning that while politicians will ultimately return to their homes, the consequences of violence remain with families and communities for generations.
Badanga reaffirmed his advocacy for a peaceful, credible and issue-based election in Kogi State, noting that political actors can disagree without becoming enemies and can compete vigorously without shedding blood.
He wished those injured in the incident a speedy and complete recovery and extended his deepest sympathies to their families and loved ones.
“Kogi belongs to all of us. Its peace and unity must never be sacrificed for the ambition of any individual, political party or candidate. Let us choose dialogue over violence, law over vengeance, and unity over division. We shall seek justice, but we shall not seek revenge,” the statement concluded.