YOUTHS IN APC BRANDED SHIRTS BRANDISH GUNS, FIRE SHOTS IN KOGI LG ELECTION

A video has emerged showing a group of youths dressed in campaign shirts of the All Progressives Congress (APC) parading with firearms and firing shots in Kogi State, ahead of the local government election in the state.

The Kogi APC youths guns LG election footage has raised concerns about political violence and the proliferation of firearms in the run-up to the polls .

THE VIDEO

In the footage, the youths are seen marching through a community, some of them holding what appear to be rifles, while others fire shots into the air.

The youths were said to be chanting slogans and declaring their support for a particular candidate.

The video has been shared widely on social media, drawing condemnation from Nigerians who see it as evidence of the militarisation of politics in Kogi State.

THE CONTEXT

Kogi State has a history of political violence, particularly during elections.

Local government elections in Nigeria are often marred by violence, vote-buying and intimidation.

The presence of armed youths in campaign materials is a disturbing trend that raises questions about the capacity of security agencies to maintain order.

The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission has not commented on the video.

THE REACTION

Nigerians on social media have called for the arrest and prosecution of the youths and their sponsors.

“If you can parade with guns and fire shots in the name of a political party, then what is the security agency doing? This is a threat to democracy,” one user wrote.

Others called on the police to investigate the source of the firearms and ensure that the election is conducted peacefully.

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WHY IT MATTERS

The presence of armed youths at political events is not new in Nigeria, but it remains a serious threat to democracy.

When people feel they can parade with guns to intimidate opponents, the credibility of elections is undermined, and the safety of citizens is at risk.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the video has gone viral. The police have not yet responded to the incident.