The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned in strong terms the attempted assassination of its Anambra State governorship candidate, Chief Jude Ezenwafor.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party alleged that Ezenwafor was attacked by gunmen in Abuja while returning from an engagement.
The party accused certain “desperate interests” threatened by Ezenwafor’s growing popularity of orchestrating the attack in a bid to stop him from contesting in the November 8 governorship election.
“After a critical analysis of the violent incident, the PDP believes that certain interests, uncomfortable with the popularity of our candidate, are desperate to prevent him from participating in the coming poll,” the statement read.
The party further revealed that it had uncovered plans by anti-democratic forces to launch a smear campaign against the candidate following the failure of the attack.
Calling the incident a “sad commentary on the alarming level of insecurity” under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government, the PDP insisted that the failed attempt would not deter its resolve or Ezenwafor’s candidacy.
“Our candidate is divinely destined, enjoys the support of the people, and will surely emerge victorious,” the statement declared.
The PDP urged the Inspector General of Police to swiftly apprehend the assailants and their sponsors, and to increase security around Ezenwafor.
Reaffirming its commitment to the November election, the party maintained that Anambra State remains a stronghold of the PDP and that no act of violence or propaganda would derail its mission to deliver a people-focused government.
