Youth Body in Anambra Denounces Attack on Ezenwafor

A youth organization called the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has denounced the assault on Chief Jude Ezenwafor, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate for governor in Anambra State in the November 8 election, and demanded that those responsible be apprehended and prosecuted.

On Friday night, gunmen in Abuja shot Ezenwafor.

The shooting, which took place in the Wuse II neighborhood when Ezenwafor was on his way home from an appointment, was characterized as a horrific act by the group, which is the leading politico youth organization in the South East.

The group said in a statement issued in Awka and signed by Comrade Goodluck Ibem, its president general, that “this is not just an assault on an individual but an attack on our democratic values and the very fabric of our society.”

We are extremely troubled by the increasing wave of lawlessness, intimidation, and violence that jeopardizes our great country’s peaceful political environment.

As Chief Ezenwafor is presently undergoing treatment in a hospital, we offer our sincere condolences and wishes for a speedy recovery. He should be honored and safeguarded for his dedication to serving the people of Anambra State, particularly the young people.

It stated: “We call for the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators behind this dastardly act,” and that law enforcement agencies must act immediately to investigate the tragedy. As the Anambra 2025 gubernatorial elections draw near, this must be a forceful reminder to our security services to increase their efforts to protect all candidates, members of political parties, and citizens.

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Additionally, the group called on residents, political leaders, and stakeholders to join forces against intimidation and violence in our democratic process, stating that “We must foster an environment where dialogue and peace prevail over fear and violence.”

It also called on the relevant authorities to make sure all candidates have enough security and to put policies in place to stop the increasing trend of political violence. Those who attempt to subvert our democratic values by using violent methods must be subject to the full force of the law, and the rule of law must triumph.

As a coalition representing the South East’s youth, it declared its opposition to all acts of violence.

It urged the public, supporters, and members to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity and to report it to the proper authorities.