*Pledges Issue-Based, Non-violent Campaign
THE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State has pledged to run an issue-based campaign ahead of next year’s general elections, urging political actors to shun violence, inflammatory statements and actions capable of threatening the prevailing peace in the state.
Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee of the state Campaign Council and Commissioner for Wors (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, who gave the assurance on Monday, October 26, while unveiling members of the committee to journalists in Asaba, named other members as Valentine Onojeguo (Vice Chairman), Timi Tonye (Secretary), Festus Ahon, Kelly Okolugbo and Jackson Ekwugum.
Aniagwu said the party would focus on the policies, programmes and performance of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, while working closely with journalists to ensure the electorate received accurate information on the candidates and their programmes.
The commissioner stated that the committee’s responsibility also covers all APC state House of Assembly, House of Representatives and senatorial candidates, urging journalists to partner the committee in communicating the party’s message to voters.
He said the campaign would be guided by the need to address governance and matters affecting the welfare of the people, adding: ” We will stay with the issues.”
Assrting that the committee has the experience to respond to questions and provide relevant information on the candidates and their policies,
Aniagwu, however, cautioned political actors against statements capable of inciting violence and encouraging supporters to take the law into their own hands.
He cautioned that the state government would not tolerate violence, irrespective of the political affiliation or background of those involved, noting: “The governor has warned earlier that nobody is above the law.
“We will not tolerate violence, irrespective of the divide anybody belongs to.”
He assured: “We will not get involved in rigging elections. We will show our report card,” expressing confidence that the Tinubu and Oborevwori administrations’ performance would provide APC with a strong basis to seek re-election, as voters would assess its candidates on their records and policies.
Aniagwu urged political leaders and their supporters to exercise restraint in their public statements, particularly as the electioneering season approaches, adding: “We are not in a jungle republic.
“If there is anybody carrying out an action you consider not to be in line with the electoral guidelines, that is why we have the security agencies. Report them and let the law take its course.”
He described calls for jungle justice as inimical to the peace and stability of the state, urging residents not to be influenced by statements that could turn political disagreements into violent clashes.
