As the All Progressives Congress Senatorial Primary holds on Monday, a group promoting the aspiration of one of the Frontline contestants in Ekiti South Senatorial District, Hon Bamidele Faparusi, has condemned the consistent attacks being launched against his campaign activities in Ikere Local Government.
The group, Fappy Movement to the Senate, loyal to the former commissioner and ex- House of Representatives member, described such barbaric conduct as antithetical to democratic norms and admiration being exhibited by the APC leaders to promote internal democracy in the party.
The reservation raised was contained in a statement by Fappy Movement to the Senate and made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti, on Saturday.
The movement branded the incident, which created tension and panic among supporters and residents, as representing a frightening and dangerous development that negated democratic principles and civilized political engagement.
The group called on security agencies to beam their searchlights on activities of politicians in Ekiti South and rid the polity of goons, who are desperate to kill for their preferred candidate to win the primary, no matter how abysmal his popularity and acceptability is.
The movement advised the party to henceforth disqualify summarily, any aspirant who breaches the code of ethics set by the party, that all should conform to a violence-free primary.
The statement said: “We strongly condemn the unfortunate disruption and attack allegedly carried out by suspected political thugs during the campaign activities of Hon. Engr. Bamidele Faparusi in Ikere Ekiti.
“It is deeply troubling that at a time when the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has repeatedly assured aspirants and members of a transparent, peaceful, and credible primary process, some desperate elements have allegedly resorted to intimidation, violence, and disruption in an attempt to silence growing grassroots support for Hon. Faparusi across Ekiti South Senatorial District.
“We call on all party faithful, security agencies, and the leadership of the APC to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice, regardless of their status or political affiliation.
“Hon. Bamidele Faparusi remains committed to peaceful, issue-based, and people-oriented politics. His campaign will not be distracted or intimidated by acts of provocation, harassment, or violence.
“We urge our supporters across Ekiti South to remain calm, law-abiding, and focused. The overwhelming support being received by Fappy across communities clearly demonstrates that the people are determined to support tested, accessible, and grassroots-oriented leadership.
“Politics should be about ideas, service, and performance — not violence, fear, or intimidation.
“We reaffirm our confidence in the ability of party members to freely choose their preferred candidate through the direct primary process without coercion or manipulation”.