The attack on Chief Jude Ezenwafor, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for governor of Anambra State in the November 8 election, has been denounced by a youth organization called the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), which has also called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
On Friday night, Ezenwafor was shot by gunmen in Abuja.
The South East’s leading sociopolitical youth organization called the shooting incident, which took place in the Wuse II neighborhood when Ezenwafor was on his way home from an appointment, a “heinous act.”
“This is not just an attack on an individual but an attack on our democratic values and the very fabric of our society,” the group declared in a statement issued in Awka and signed by Comrade Goodluck Ibem, its president general.
“The increasing wave of violence, intimidation, and lawlessness that jeopardizes our magnificent country’s peaceful political environment gravely disturbs us.
“We offer our sincere condolences and prayers for Chief Ezenwafor’s speedy recovery. He is presently undergoing treatment in a hospital. His dedication to helping the people of Anambra State, particularly the young, is deserving of respect and protection.
“We call for the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators behind this dastardly act,” it said, emphasizing the need for law enforcement to look into the event right away. As the Anambra 2025 gubernatorial elections draw near, this must be a clear call for our security agencies to increase their efforts to ensure the safety of all candidates, members of political parties, and citizens.
Read Also: N19.4bn Arbitration Ruling: Firm Petitions Lagos CJ to Halt Enforcement
Insisting that “We must foster an environment where dialogue and peace prevail over fear and violence,” the group also called on residents, political leaders, and stakeholders to band together against intimidation and violence in our democratic process.
It also called on the relevant authorities to put policies in place to stop the increasing trend of political violence and to ensure that all candidates have enough security. The rule of law must be upheld, and those who attempt to subvert our democratic values by using force must be subject to the full force of the law.
It stated that it opposes all acts of violence as a coalition that speaks for the South East’s youth.
Members, supporters, and the general public were urged to maintain vigilance and notify the proper authorities of any suspicious activity.
