The political landscape in Nigeria experienced a tremor on Sunday as the North-East zonal meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State was disrupted by an attempted physical assault on the party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje. This incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with Chief Oliver Okpala, Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment to Ganduje, labeling the act as “grievously irresponsible and unpatriotic.” The disruption has raised concerns about the fragility of Nigeria’s political order, echoing historical instances of regional unrest that escalated into national crises.
Okpala, in a statement released on Monday, expressed deep concern over the implications of such unruly behavior, drawing parallels to the political turmoil that engulfed the Western Region during Nigeria’s First Republic. That period of instability ultimately contributed to the collapse of the republic, serving as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked political aggression. He emphasized Ganduje’s commitment to fostering unity and inclusivity within the APC since assuming office, portraying him as a unifying figure seeking to bridge divides across all geopolitical zones.
The incident in Gombe unfolded despite Ganduje’s attempts to de-escalate tensions at the meeting. He underscored the importance of the North-East region to both the APC and the Nigerian government, highlighting the fact that the Vice President hails from the zone. He emphasized the constitutional unity of the President and Vice President as a single ticket. However, these appeals for calm seemingly fell on deaf ears, as some individuals at the meeting remained defiant and allegedly attempted to assault Ganduje as he departed.
The swift intervention of security operatives prevented the situation from spiraling into “total anarchy and chaos,” according to Okpala. He commended the security personnel for their prompt action, which averted a potentially dangerous escalation of violence. Okpala characterized the attempted assault not only as a personal affront against Ganduje but also as an insult to the entire national leadership of the APC. The incident raises questions about the breakdown of political decorum and the increasing resort to violence in expressing political dissent.
Okpala’s statement appealed for restraint and adherence to democratic principles in political engagement. He stressed that politics should be driven by dialogue, lobbying, and consultations, not violence. He urged political leaders to counsel their followers and supporters to exercise self-control and prioritize peaceful means of expressing their views. The presence of state governors at the meeting further amplified the gravity of the situation, highlighting the blatant disregard for established protocols and the erosion of respectful political discourse.
In his closing remarks, Okpala implored those responsible for the disruption to reconsider their actions and embrace the path of political rectitude. He reiterated Ganduje’s unwavering commitment to peace and unity, emphasizing that violence has no place in Nigeria’s political landscape. The incident serves as a wake-up call for a renewed commitment to peaceful political engagement and a rejection of violence as a tool for expressing dissent. The preservation of Nigeria’s political stability hinges on upholding democratic principles, respecting political opponents, and engaging in constructive dialogue to address grievances. The incident in Gombe underscores the urgent need for political actors to prioritize national unity and refrain from actions that could jeopardize the country’s fragile peace.
