The Democracy and Good Governance Watch Initiative (DGGWI) has condemned what it described as disrespect for national symbols and acts of political violence at a recent town hall meeting organised by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Lagos.
In a statement signed by Comrade Popoola Ajayi, Nelson Ekujumi, and Gbenga Soloki, the group said it was concerned about the reported refusal by the party’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, and his supporters to recite the national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”, and their decision to sing “Arise, O Compatriots” instead.
The group said the action was provocative and irresponsible, noting that the National Anthem Act 2024 has restored “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as the official anthem. It said Section 2 of the Act recognises the anthem as a national symbol and requires all persons to respect its dignity.
“While citizens have the constitutional right to disagree with government policies, such disagreements must not translate into deliberate contempt for national institutions and symbols,” the group said.
It argued that anyone seeking the highest office in the country must show respect for the constitution, national institutions and symbols that unite the nation.
The initiative also raised concern over videos from the meeting showing supporters allegedly brandishing arms and chanting “rig and die”, alongside reports of invasion by suspected political thugs.
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“Elections are not warfare. Political opponents are not enemies to be eliminated. Democracy is about competing ideas and the freedom of choice by the electorate,” it said.
The group called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
It further urged all presidential aspirants, including Mr Obi, to publicly discourage violence and caution their supporters to act within the law.
The group also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to take proactive measures against political violence, hate speech and intimidation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“No political ambition is worth the blood of innocent Nigerians. No presidential aspiration is greater than the Constitution,” it said, adding that the 2027 polls must be decided by the ballot and not by threats of violence.
