LAGOS, Nigeria – The Labour Party (LP) is mourning the loss of one of its members, Simon Maduekwe, who died on March 18, 2023, after being assaulted by armed thugs allegedly belonging to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The late Simon Maduekwe was from Ezeokpube Okpuno Nnewichi, Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State. He was 68 years old.
According to eyewitnesses, the murder occurred right in front of Mr. Maduekwe’s house at the Bajulaye compound in Shomolu, Lagos State.
The APC thugs reportedly attacked him, causing fatal damage to the back of his head. He was rushed to Oguntolu Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
“Until his death, he was a staunch member of LP, who believed that a new Nigeria was possible,” Gbadebo Vivour-Rhodes, LP’s gubernatorial candidate, wrote on Twitter.
Until his death, he was a staunch member of LP, who believed that a new Nigeria was possible.
The labour party have come together to support his family and will continue to do so. May his fearless soul rest in perfect peace.#ourlagos— Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (@GRVlagos) April 27, 2023
Labour Party Lagos State Chairman Pastor Dayo Ekong and her executive committee members have visited the family of the late Mr Maduekwe to offer their condolences and financial support.
During the visit, Pastor Dayo Ekong expressed her sadness over the loss of Mr. Maduekwe and reiterated the LP’s commitment to fighting political violence in Nigeria.
Labour Party Lagos State Chairman Pastor Dayo Ekong, with her exco, gave financial support and condoled with the family of Late Comr. Maduekwe, who was a victim of APC attacks on LP Lagos during 2023 elections. He was killed in Somolu while protecting LP's votes. @PstDeeee pic.twitter.com/ULgv3s2xRt
— Labour Party Lagos Media (@LPLagosMedia) April 25, 2023
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our comrade, Mr. Maduekwe. His death is a tragedy, and it is a stark reminder of the violence that plagues our political process. We are committed to fighting this violence and ensuring that our democracy is fair, free, and peaceful,” she said.
Pastor Dayo Ekong also commended Mr. Maduekwe’s bravery and dedication to the LP, stating that he would be remembered as a hero of the party.
“Mr. Maduekwe was a true hero of our party. He gave his life defending our votes, and we will always remember his sacrifice. We stand with his family during this difficult time and will continue to support them in any way we can,” she added.
The LP has rallied together to support Mr. Maduekwe’s family during this difficult time. In a statement released by the LP, the party expressed its condolences to Mr. Maduekwe’s family and condemned the act of violence that led to his death.
“Comrade Maduekwe was a fearless member of our party who believed in a better Nigeria for all. We condemn this senseless act of violence and call on the authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” the statement read.
“Mr Maduekwe was killed in Somolu while protecting LP’s votes during the 2023 elections in Lagos State.”
The LP has continued to call for justice for Mr. Maduekwe and all victims of political violence in Nigeria. The party has urged the authorities to ensure that those responsible for his death are brought to justice.
The loss of Mr. Maduekwe has sent shockwaves through the LP and the wider Nigerian political community. The 2023 elections were marred by violence, rigging, election box snatching, vote buying, and ultimately, the national electoral umpire comprising the exercise by not following the laid down rules and electoral laws in the conduct of the exercise.
