By Samson Obande, Lafia

The Nasarawa State Government has drawn a clear line against political violence, intimidation and campaigns of hostility, warning that it will invoke the full weight of the law against anyone threatening public peace and security in the state.

The government also cautioned political leaders, party supporters and their followers against turning the build-up to the 2027 general elections into an atmosphere of fear, confrontation and lawlessness, insisting that no political ambition is worth sacrificing the peace and stability of Nasarawa State.

The State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Nawani Ezekiel Aboki, conveyed the government’s position on Monday in Lafia while addressing journalists on the unfortunate incidents that marred the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Rally held at Lafia Square on November 4, 2026.

The rally, attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, and other prominent political figures, was expected to be a celebration of democratic participation but was regrettably overshadowed by incidents that contradicted the principles of political tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Aboki said Governor Abdullahi Sule had directed the relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, assuring that anyone found culpable would be held accountable in accordance with the law.

He emphasised that the government would not allow isolated political disagreements or the activities of individuals to undermine the security of residents and the collective interest of the state.

He appealed to political parties, campaign organisations, supporters and community leaders to caution their followers against provocative conduct, inflammatory statements and any form of violence capable of disrupting public order.

With political activities gaining momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, Aboki reminded stakeholders that elections are a democratic exercise, not a declaration of war, and that political competition must be guided by mutual respect, tolerance and adherence to the law.

He urged political actors to mobilise eligible citizens to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the electoral process, rather than mobilising them for confrontation and violence.

The Commissioner maintained that Nasarawa State belongs to all its citizens, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnicity, religious belief or social standing, stressing that nobody should be intimidated or denied the freedom to support a political party or candidate of their choice.

He assured residents that the Sule administration remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to work with security agencies, traditional institutions and community stakeholders to sustain peace across the state.

Aboki also urged residents to go about their legitimate businesses without fear, warning against the spread of rumours and unverified reports that could generate unnecessary tension.

Beyond security, the Commissioner challenged political parties and aspirants to redirect the political conversation towards development, governance and the welfare of the people.

He said the emerging political season should provide an opportunity for candidates to present their records, policy alternatives and development programmes for public scrutiny, rather than resorting to personal attacks, inflammatory rhetoric and political hostility.

Reviewing the development priorities of the Sule administration, Aboki highlighted industrialisation and economic diversification, road construction and rehabilitation, infrastructure expansion, education, healthcare delivery, employment generation, civil service reforms, and sustained investment in peace and security.

He said the government is working to position Nasarawa as an emerging industrial and investment destination through strategic industrial hubs and investment-friendly policies.

He also identified federal government interventions, including the establishment of the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology in Doma and the University of Mining in Nasarawa, as significant additions to the state’s development landscape.

On infrastructure, he cited ongoing efforts to improve road networks, enhance transportation, connect rural communities and facilitate economic activities.

Other areas highlighted included strengthening healthcare facilities, improving educational infrastructure, expanding opportunities for young people and women, encouraging entrepreneurship and modernising the civil service to improve efficiency and service delivery.

The Commissioner called on journalists to recognise the enormous influence of the profession during politically sensitive periods, urging them to verify information, uphold professional standards and avoid sensational reporting or the circulation of unsubstantiated allegations.

While reaffirming the government’s respect for the independence and constitutional responsibilities of the media, he said journalism should contribute to public enlightenment, democratic accountability and peaceful coexistence.

In a separate development, Aboki congratulated Nigeria’s Under-17 Women’s National Football Team, the Flamingos, on their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The Nigerian girls defeated Japan 2-1 in the final on Saturday, November 7, making Nigeria the first African country to win the prestigious competition.

He described the victory as a landmark achievement that demonstrated the resilience, discipline, determination and immense potential of Nigerian youths.

The Commissioner commended the players, technical crew, management and the Nigeria Football Federation for bringing honour to the country and raising the profile of African women’s football.

Reiterating the government’s position, Aboki said the peace, unity and security of Nasarawa State must remain above partisan political interests.

He urged political leaders and their supporters to respect opposing views, embrace peaceful engagement and ensure that the quest for political power does not become a threat to the lives, property and livelihoods of innocent citizens.