The Lagos State Chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied alleged involvement in the reported attack on some members of the Labour Party on Saturday.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, on Saturday evening, the ruling party described reports of such narration as irresponsible and reckless emphasising that the government would not put the peace and tranquility of the state at risk for any political reason.
The party, in strong terms, denied its purported involvement in the mayhem that ensued at the rally as it called on the rumour peddler to provide information that would assist the police and other security agencies with their investigation.
The statement titled, “Re-Labour Party Supporter’s Attack In Lagos” read in part: “We read with amazement the baseless allegation of the Labour Party accusing the ruling Lagos APC of being responsible for the attack of their supporters in Lagos.
“It is irresponsible and reckless of the tottering party to level such a wild allegation without any substantial proof.
“The APC as the ruling party in Lagos State remains the biggest stakeholder to ensure that there’s no breakdown of law and order
We want to state unequivocally that our members were not involved in any attack.
“Our investigation in the concerned local government made nonsense of the allegation. Our position has always been for the security agencies to do their job and bring those found culpable in any attack to book.
“Those who alleged must be able to provide evidence and point at suspects and Ieave the rest to the police and other security agencies.”
The party added that it detests violence as it acknowledged everyone’s constitutional right to association and support whoever they so desire in an election.
In the statement, APC went on to state that it does not see the Labour Party or other political parties in the election as threats going into the election as it is poise for victory.
“We abhor violence as a party. Everybody has the constitutional right to support whichever party they choose and we don’t think that should make for any kind of violence.
“We don’t see the Labour or any other party as a threat
It’s important to put it on record that every indication points to our victory in the coming elections based on the widely acknowledged great performance of the state governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu and other elected and appointed government officials during the outgoing tenure.
“Our members have no business unleashing attack on the opposition party.
The state government remains committed to the security of the lives and property of all Lagosians irrespective of political affiliation.
“The Labour Party will do well if it desists from needless blackmail and face the substance of the expectations of the electorates,” the statement read.
