FCT polls: SDP demands prosecution of APC supporters over attacks on opposition

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has lamented what it called a dangerously worrisome incitement to violence, unmistakable hate speech, intention of intimidation, and open threat by one anti-democratic agent and supporter of the rulling party, by name, Yamaho, in a viral video during their election campaign in the Mabushi area of the AMAC metropolis.

Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, National Publicity Secretary, SDP, on Tuesday in Abuja said the threat by the APC member was against the highly refined and endearing candidate of our Party, the SDP, for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Dr. Obinna Simon and his supporters, ahead of the February 21, 2026 FCT Council elections.

According to him, the intimidation and harassment of candidates, and the bullying of the supporters of a leading opposition party like SDP, are condemnable and that such acts have far-reaching negative consequences and potential to get credible people disinterested in standing for elective office or public service.

“Hate crimes of stalking, inciting sectional, tribal or religious threats to feelings and ethnic prejudices against religious groups order than one’s, as are seen being employed by the rulling party, speak to lack of democratic culture, corruption orientation, and show desperation arising from the emerging reality of unavoidable failure for the candidates of the APC ahead of FCT Council elections, particularly in AMAC.

“The SDP wholly condemns acts of violence associated with elections and will not tolerate any further intimidation of its candidates and supporters.

“The security authorities are hereby called upon to invite Yamaho for interrogation and get him prosecuted,” Aiyenigba said.

He reckoned that citizens reserve the fundamental rights to freedom of speech and expression, but the likes of Yamaho need to be educated and mindful that rights come with responsibility.

He said that the security authorities need to swiftly act and rightly, in public interest, when a person’s view and speech cross the acceptable limit and boundary from civility to the realm of criminality.

He said, “The FCT authorities need to ensure that appropriate security measures are put in place to safeguard the personal safety of the electorate and prevent social tension and public disorder during and after the February 21, 2026 Area Council elections.

“Yamaho needs to be mindful of the fact that the FCT is for every Nigerian, irrespective of background, faith, and ethnicity.

‘The SDP also finds it important to draw attention of the public to the fact that INEC had, in the past, repeatedly issued strong warnings to politicians and party members against hate speech, cyber-bullying, and assaults during electioneering campaigns.

” Cognizant that Nigeria is a nation of diversity of nationalities, the SDP says no longer will the nation be held hostage by any cabal or group of demagogues who exploit and weaponize our ethnic divides to entrench their interests, while undermining the true interest of the country.

“It is no longer deniable that Dr. Obinna Simon, the SDP candidate for the AMAC chairmanship, has become the man to beat in the forthcoming election, and it is so surprising that he will win convincingly.

“The Party hereby calls on all relevant security agencies to ensure his safety, before, during, and after the election, and also provide protection to all our supporters and the FCT electorate,” Aiyenigba said.