The Nasarawa Youths Vanguard has condemned the alleged attempted abduction, harassment and intimidation of Professor Emmanuel Dandaura during the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Nasarawa State, describing the incident as a threat to democracy and civic freedom.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Director-General, Comrade Monday Isah, the group accused political hoodlums of attempting to coerce the respected academic into supporting efforts to alter the outcome of the primary election in favour of a preferred candidate.
According to the statement, the hoodlums were not present at the venue during the voting and collation process but later mobilised in a white Hilux vehicle after learning that the outcome of the election did not favour their candidate.
The group alleged that the individuals laid ambush for Professor Dandaura on his way from the venue and attempted to compel him to return to the village to lend credibility to demands for a reversal of the election result.
It stated that the situation escalated from persuasion to intimidation and harassment after the professor reportedly refused to support any attempt to manipulate the democratic process.
“Professor Dandaura made it clear that elections must reflect the will of party members and that no individual should interfere with the integrity of a democratic exercise,” the statement said.
The organisation stressed that Professor Dandaura was neither an electoral official nor an agent of any candidate, but had merely participated in the exercise as a member of the APC.
The group described the professor as one of the most respected intellectuals from the Mada Nation and Nasarawa State, noting that he became the first professor from the Mada Nation more than two decades ago.
It added that throughout his over 37 years in public life, the academic had distinguished himself in scholarship, mentorship, peace advocacy, public service and community development.
“People like Professor Dandaura are assets to society. They represent the moral and intellectual credibility communities depend upon for guidance and stability. Attempting to intimidate such a figure because he refused to compromise democratic principles is disgraceful and dangerous,” the statement added.
The Nasarawa Youths Vanguard warned that tolerating acts of political intimidation and violence could discourage credible citizens from participating in politics and democratic processes.
The group also condemned what it described as false narratives being circulated on social media over the incident.
It called on security agencies to launch an immediate investigation and prosecute all individuals found culpable.
“No citizen should be subjected to intimidation, harassment or violence for exercising a lawful democratic right. Politics must never descend into criminality and mob action,” Comrade Isah stated.
The organisation further warned that it would initiate legal action against all identified individuals connected to the incident if authorities failed to act within 48 hours.
“We shall not fold our arms and watch hoodlums intimidate respected citizens and undermine democracy in our communities. The law must take its course,” the statement concluded.
