The All Progressives Congress has vowed to punish those behind the violence that rocked the presidential rally of the party in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The rally, held on Monday, saw some of those in attendance throwing objects that included sachet water and stones at the VIP stand, with one almost hitting President Muhammadu Buhari but for the quick intervention of one of his security aides.
In a statement on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the party said the violence was sponsored by the Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun.
The statement reads in full: “The All Progressives Congress (APC) regrets Monday’s premeditated attacks sponsored by Governor Ibikunle Amosun on President Muhammadu Buhari and other senior party leaders at the venue of the presidential campaign rally in Ogun State.
“This is one act of indiscipline too many. The APC will not condone acts of indiscipline, indiscretion and anti-party activities from any party member no matter how highly placed.
“The party will review this gross misconduct of deliberately positioning thugs to attack and embarrass the President and the party’s leadership. The party will take a decision on this matter immediately after the elections.
“It must be stated that party supremacy and discipline according to our constitution are not matters of choice but binding principles which must be adhered to by ALL party members.
“The APC is a party known for discipline, justice, fairness and equality hence any plan to destroy what this party stands for would be rejected. No single person will be allowed to put his personal and selfish interests ahead of the wishes of the people of Ogun state and elsewhere.
“Post primaries, the decision of the National Working Committee to uphold the wishes of party members is unbendable. Therefore, whatever means being presently deployed by persons intending to undermine the wishes of the people for personal gains will not be tolerated.
“We urge our teeming party supporters and members not to be disturbed by Monday’s condemnable incident. We urge all to continue trooping out enmasse for our remaining campaigns and vote massively for ALL and ONLY APC candidates in the forthcoming general elections.”
