Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima, popularly known as OmoBarca, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) House of Representatives candidate for Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency in Lagos State, has condemned the alleged destruction and defacement of his campaign posters, banners, billboards and other campaign materials across the constituency.
In a statement titled “Stop Destroying Our Banners in Ajeromi-Ifelodun,” OmoBarca described the reported acts as undemocratic and urged political actors to embrace issue-based campaigns rather than resort to damaging materials belonging to their opponents.
He said his campaign had received reports that some individuals were destroying and defacing campaign materials displayed across Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area.
“This is shameful, childish and undemocratic,” he said, stressing that political competition should be driven by ideas, policies and the ability of candidates to convince voters.
According to the NDC candidate, politicians who are confident in their candidates and programmes should focus on presenting their proposals to the electorate instead of destroying the campaign materials of their opponents.
“If you are confident in your candidate and your message, you don’t need to tear another man’s poster. Go and sell your own ideas to the people,” he stated.
OmoBarca maintained that Ajeromi-Ifelodun belongs to all its residents and that voters have the right to access campaign messages from different candidates before deciding whom to support.
He argued that destroying campaign posters and banners would neither silence his message nor stop his political movement.
“Ajeromi-Ifelodun belongs to all of us. The people have the right to see, to choose, and to decide. Tearing posters will not tear our vision. It will not stop the message. It only exposes your fear and your lack of capacity,” he said.
The NDC House of Representatives candidate called on his supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, warning them against retaliating against those allegedly responsible for the destruction.
He urged his followers not to destroy the campaign materials of other candidates, emphasising that peaceful conduct was essential to democratic participation.
“We call on our supporters to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding. Do not retaliate. Do not destroy anyone’s materials. We are better than that,” he said.
OmoBarca also appealed to security agencies and community leaders in Ajeromi-Ifelodun to intervene and call those responsible for the alleged acts to order.
He stressed that political campaigns should provide an opportunity for candidates to communicate their plans and earn public support, rather than create unnecessary tension among supporters of different political parties.
Reaffirming his determination to continue his campaign, the NDC candidate said the reported destruction would not intimidate him or discourage his supporters.
“We will not be intimidated. We will replace every torn banner with two more. The movement continues,” he declared.
He urged political opponents to concentrate on issues affecting residents of Ajeromi-Ifelodun and explain how their candidates intend to address the constituency’s needs.
“Focus on issues, not posters,” he said.
