Political violence has returned to the centre of Nigeria’s 2027 election conversation following an attack on supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during a town hall meeting in Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos.
The incident happened on Thursday, November 12, as party members gathered ahead of the expected arrival of presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The Lagos East senatorial candidate of the NDC, Adeola Adebanjo, has reportedly been hospitalised after sustaining a broken leg during the disturbance. The party’s Lagos State Publicity Secretary, Olushile Akinyemi, disclosed the development during an interview on News Central Television.
The NDC said suspected attackers armed with cutlasses, cudgels and stones invaded the venue, damaging property and forcing participants to flee. Supporters also alleged that some members travelling to the meeting were attacked before reaching the venue.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed receiving a distress call and said two men, Akinyemi Akeem and Ibrahim Babsule, sustained serious injuries. Police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi said preliminary information suggested that the two injured men might have been involved in the incident, but their individual roles were still being investigated.
The Lagos APC has rejected allegations that it sponsored the attack, describing the claims as baseless. The APC Presidential Campaign Council also condemned the disruption and called for those responsible to be arrested.
The House of Representatives has constituted an ad hoc committee, chaired by House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, to investigate reported political violence and attacks on political gatherings nationwide. The committee has three weeks to submit its findings.
President Tinubu also issued a statement on November 13 condemning political violence and authorising security agencies to confront thuggery and anti-democratic activities firmly.
With several months remaining before the elections, the investigation will be important in establishing responsibility and protecting the right of political parties to campaign peacefully.
