A lawyer and member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), E. O. Eiwone, has petitioned the Nigeria Police Force against African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, over alleged defamatory and inflammatory remarks directed at supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In the petition dated October 10, Eiwone accused Amaechi of describing Edo residents who intend to vote for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election as thieves and mad people.

The petition titled “Petition for Inciting Violence, Defamation and Conduct Likely to Cause the Breach of Peace and Cultism Against Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi,” was addressed to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 5 Headquarters, Benin, the Edo State capital.

Eiwone, through his solicitors, Eiwo-Oriaifo Law Firm, called for an investigation into the statements by Amaechi, a one-time Rivers State governor and Transportation minister.

He alleged that the comments were capable of provoking political tension and threatening public peace in Edo State.

The petitioner cited Sections 96(1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) of the Electoral Act 2026 as the provisions allegedly contravened by Amaechi.

The lawyers said the meeting was covered by social media platforms, print and electronic media.

The petitioner quoted Amaechi as allegedly describing supporters of Tinubu as “thieves” and “mad people.”

Among the statements attributed to the former governor were: “Only thieves can vote for Tinubu” and “Because it is only a mad man that can vote for Tinubu.”

He was also quoted as saying: “If Edo people vote for Tinubu, it means that Edo people are mad,” and “If you are not mad then Tinubu should not win here.”

The petitioner maintained that the remarks amounted to an attack on his character and dignity as a supporter of the President.

He described himself as a card-carrying member of the APC who independently decided to support Tinubu’s re-election.

The lawyer argued that his decision to support a presidential candidate was a legitimate exercise of political choice and should not expose him and other citizens to insults or accusations of criminality.

“It is our client’s brief that he is not a thief and has never been convicted by any court in Nigeria or abroad for the offence of stealing, fraud, deceit, conversion or any other offence bothering on stealing, dishonesty or fraud,” he said in the petition.

The lawyer also rejected the suggestion that he is mentally unwell, describing the alleged remarks as derogatory and defamatory.

According to him, the comments directly suggested that he (Eiwone) is a thief and a madman merely because he intends to vote for President Tinubu.

The petitioner expressed concern that such statements, if left unaddressed, could heighten political hostility among supporters of rival parties ahead of the 2027 general election.

He warned that the remarks were capable of inciting violence and causing a breakdown of law and order in Edo State.

“It is also the brief from our client that the above comments in relation to our client and Edo State supporters of President Ahmed Tinubu amount to comments which can incite violence in Edo State,” the lawyer stated.

Eiwone appealed to the police authorities to intervene, saying their client had chosen to seek lawful redress rather than take matters into his own hands.

We hereby appeal to you to use the instrumentality of your good office to intervene in this matter as our client is a peace-loving legal practitioner who would not want to take the law into his own hands,” he said.

He urged the AIG to assign officers to investigate the allegations and take appropriate action in accordance with the law.

Copies of the petition were sent to President Tinubu, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, the APC National Chairman, the Edo State APC Chairman and the party’s Edo Central Senatorial leader. (The Nation)