Amnesty accuses APC supporters of attacking Pantami’s marketing campaign convoy, political violence

Amnesty International Nigeria has strongly condemned the assault on the Gombe State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate, Isa Pantami.

In a press release on Thursday, Amnesty described the assault as maybe one of many deadliest acts of political violence for the reason that starting of campaigning for the 2027 elections.

The rights group mentioned the violence was unleashed on the PDP convoy in what seems to be an try to make use of violence to forestall Pantami from getting into Gombe city.

“Our findings show that the attackers are suspected to be working for the All Progressives Congress, APC,” Amnesty alleged.

According to the organisation, viral movies present the thugs in massive numbers and armed, blocking the highway with tyres earlier than setting them ablaze.

Amnesty expressed concern that, thus far, there isn’t any proof that arrests have been made to make sure violence-free political actions.

The assault occurred alongside Jekadafari Road in Gombe, close to the household residence of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.

The former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy was reportedly on his technique to the state capital for a mega rally and grand reception organised by the Gombe State chapter of the PDP to honour him following the publication of his title on the governorship listing of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The thugs had been mentioned to have stormed the busy highway, blocked it with tyres and set them ablaze.

The burning tyres despatched thick black smoke into the air and induced panic amongst motorists, commuters and residents of the Jekadafari space, bringing vehicular motion on the highway to an entire standstill.

According to experiences, one other group of youths, armed with harmful weapons, additionally smashed the windscreens of a number of automobiles within the motorcade, sparking panic amongst supporters and different highway customers.

Meanwhile, regardless of the blockade, Pantami’s motorcade pressured its method by way of the smoke and continued its procession to the venue of the rally.