A campaign rally organised by supporters of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) in Lagos was disrupted on Thursday after suspected political thugs stormed the gathering and attacked participants with dangerous weapons.
Latest: Follow every candidate and campaign update on our 2027 presidential election tracker.
The incident occurred along Kudirat Abiola Way, Ikeja, where supporters had assembled to campaign for the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and its governorship candidate, Funsho Doherty. The attack reportedly left some participants injured, while several others fled the scene to escape the violence.
Key Highlights
- Suspected political thugs attack NDC supporters during a campaign rally in Lagos.
- The incident occurred along Kudirat Abiola Way, Ikeja.
- Peter Obi and Funsho Doherty were the candidates the supporters were campaigning for.
- Attackers reportedly wielded cutlasses, cudgels and stones.
- Some participants sustained injuries, while others fled for safety.
- A police source confirmed the incident and raised concerns over the organisers’ failure to notify security agencies.
Thugs Armed With Cutlasses, Cudgels Invade Ikeja Rally
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the suspected hoodlums, armed with cutlasses, cudgels and stones, invaded the rally venue, disrupted activities and attacked supporters gathered for the campaign.
The peaceful political gathering reportedly descended into chaos as participants scampered for safety following the invasion.
Sources alleged that the attackers initially demanded money from the NDC supporters for allowing them to hold the rally. However, after their demands were reportedly rejected, they allegedly resorted to violence and attacked participants at the venue.
Peter Obi was reportedly not present when the incident occurred.
Police Source Confirms Attack
A police source, who confirmed the attack but requested anonymity, attributed some of the security concerns surrounding the event to the organisers’ alleged failure to notify security agencies ahead of the rally.
“Yes, it happened. However, it’s unfortunate that the organisers did not inform the security agencies of their rally,” the source said.
Fresh Concerns Over Political Violence Ahead of 2027
The attack has raised fresh concerns about the safety of political supporters and the freedom of political parties to organise campaigns and rallies without intimidation or violence.
It also comes amid preparations for the 2027 general elections, as political mobilisation and campaign activities gradually gather momentum across Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the identities of those responsible for the attack and the full extent of injuries sustained by participants had yet to be established as of the time of filing this report.
The incident has renewed calls for improved security arrangements at political gatherings to prevent violence and protect citizens exercising their democratic rights.
Follow The Trumpet on X for updates on this story.
Read also:
