A sociopolitical group, Nasarawa People Mandate Group, has warned about the implications of alleged high-handed actions of All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant Senator Ahmed Wadada which they said are capable of bringing chaos in the party and eventually cost it anticipated victory in the upcoming elections.
In a statement issued Tuesday signed by Emmanuel Zachary and Ahmed Umar, the group alleged that the Senator has turned political contest into a game of blackmail and strong arms tactic.
They warned that intimidation and blackmail could only generate bad blood and disintegration within the APC.
“Political aspiration is within the constitutionally guaranteed rights of every citizen. Everyone should be free to pursue their political aspirations without fear or hinderance.
“A situation where a contestant resort to undemocratic tactics to scare away fellow aspirants is not only despicable but dangerous to our maturing democracy.
“Democracy is a game of number. Anyone who thinks is popular enough should market himself to the people and stakeholders and let party members choose who is best for them. Now that stakeholders commendably favour direct primaries power should now be in the hands of the people and not in some authoritarian place that some people want to invoke,” the statement reads in part.
The sociopolitical umbrella said allegations that Wadada was using anti-corruption agencies and some senior government officials to gag some of the formidable aspirants is unhealthy for democracy and could backfire if not addressed.
The group urged President Bola Tinubu to call Wadada to order.
The group also urged Governor Abdullahi Sule to remain resolute in providing a level playing ground for all aspirants without bowing to name-dropping and blackmail.
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