Tinubu risks losing Enugu votes – PDP chieftain

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A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Basil Ani, has warned that growing political tension and alleged violence in Enugu State could affect President Bola Tinubu’s popularity in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Ani, in a statement said growing anger over alleged attacks on PDP members and supporters was increasingly being transferred to the Federal Government and, by extension, the President.

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He warned that the situation could trigger a protest vote against Tinubu if the Federal Government was perceived as failing to intervene in the alleged political violence.

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According to him, what began largely as opposition to the administration of Governor Peter Mbah was gradually assuming a wider dimension, with some opposition politicians, traditional rulers and other citizens questioning the Federal Government’s response to developments in the state.

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He also cited alleged attacks on PDP activities in different parts of the state, including a ward meeting at Akpugo Ward 3 on August 16 and another meeting at Obe Ward, Nkanu West Local Government Area, on August 29.

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He also referred to alleged attacks on two PDP ward meetings on Saturday, September 12, during which more than eight people were reportedly shot and injured, while property was destroyed.

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He said, “The allegations are grave and raise a much larger question: Can citizens freely participate in political activities in Enugu State without fear of violence or intimidation?”

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He urged security and law-enforcement agencies to investigate the incidents and prosecute anyone found culpable, irrespective of political affiliation.

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The PDP chieftain said the Federal Government should not view the situation through the narrow prism of the rivalry between the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC), but as an issue concerning democratic stability.

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“If PDP members are attacked, investigate it. If APC members are attacked, investigate it. If supporters of any other political party are attacked, investigate it,” he said.

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He further warned that traditional rulers and religious leaders could influence the political calculations of their communities if they became convinced that the Federal Government was indifferent to the alleged victimisation of their people.

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The PDP stalwart said the emergence of Chief Uche Nnaji as a major opposition figure and PDP governorship candidate had further intensified the political contest in the state.

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“The President does not need to take sides in the Enugu political contest. He needs to take the side of democracy,” he said.

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