|By Adejumo Adekunle-
…Youth group condemns attack as threat to democracy
…Calls for security beef-up ahead of 2025 polls
The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has strongly condemned the brutal attack on Jude Ezenwafor, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2025 Anambra State gubernatorial election, describing it as a direct assault on Nigeria’s democratic values.
Ezenwafor was reportedly shot by suspected assassins in Abuja on Friday night and is currently battling for his life in an undisclosed hospital.
Reacting to the development, COSEYL, in a statement issued by its President General, Goodluck Ibem, described the attack as “an attack on our democratic values and the very fabric of our society.”
“We are deeply disturbed by the rising spate of violence, intimidation, and lawlessness that threatens the peaceful political landscape of our great nation,” the group said.
The coalition expressed concern over the safety of political actors ahead of the upcoming Anambra polls and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to safeguard all stakeholders involved in the electoral process.
“We extend our deepest sympathies and prayers for the swift recovery of Chief Ezenwafor, who is currently receiving treatment in a hospital. His commitment to serving the people of Anambra State, especially the youth, deserves to be protected and respected,” the statement added.
COSEYL urged the police and other law enforcement agencies to swing into action, track down the assailants, and bring them to justice.
“This must serve as a clarion call for our security agencies to step up their efforts in ensuring the safety of all candidates, political party members, and citizens as we approach the Anambra 2025 gubernatorial elections,” Ibem emphasized.
The coalition also called on political leaders, stakeholders, and the general public to unite in rejecting violence and intimidation, advocating instead for peaceful engagement and democratic tolerance.
“The rule of law must prevail, and those who seek to undermine our democratic principles through violent means must face the full wrath of the law,” the group insisted.
“As a coalition representing the voice of the youth in the South East, we stand firmly against any act of violence. We call on all our members, supporters, and the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities,” it concluded.
