POLITICS
Reps Majority, Minority Leaders Head Panel To Probe Political Violence
Reps Majority, Minority Leaders Head Panel To Probe Political Violence
The House of Representatives has constituted an ad-hoc committee to investigate the immediate and remote causes of political violence around the country ahead of the 2027 general election.
The committee is chaired by the Majority Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere with the Minority Leader, Hon. Fred Agbedi as Deputy Chairman while the chairmen and deputy chairmen of the joint committees on Police Affairs and National Security and Intelligence, alongside two members drawn from each of the committees, will serve as members.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion, moved by Minority Leader Agbedi and 16 other lawmakers at plenary on Thursday.
Moving the motion, Agbedi expressed concern over reports of violence and disruption affecting political activities in different parts of the country, including the disruption of political meetings in Enugu State on the 12th of September 2026, where police said two attendees were injured and one allegedly killed; an attack on APC supporters travelling to a rally in Katsina State on the 28th of October, 2026 after which police said 14 suspects were arrested.
He also pointed at the violence at an APC rally in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on the 4th of November, 2026 where many people were reportedly injured; and a violent incident during a political procession in Asaba, Delta State, on the 7th of November, 2026 which police said left one person dead and five others injured as well as Calabar, Cross Rivers state.
Agbedi also expressed worry that attacks, intimidation and destruction of property connected with political activities may cause further loss of life and injury, discourage citizens from participating in lawful political activities and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
The lawmaker noted that allegations of responsibility for these incidents must be established through impartial, thorough and evidence-based investigations.
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Adopting the motion, the House condemned all acts of violence, intimidation, assault and destruction of property connected with political rallies, processions, meetings and other lawful political activities, regardless of the party or persons affected.
It also urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to reject inflammatory rhetoric, discourage violence and cooperate with security agencies in preserving public peace.
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