The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the attack on party supporters during a town hall meeting in Lagos.
Obi described the attack as an act of political violence that could have far-reaching consequences, insisting that anarchy would affect everyone regardless of political affiliation.
He made the remarks in a statement posted on his X account on Friday while recounting his activities during a visit to Lagos on Thursday.
The former Anambra State governor said he arrived in Lagos from Abuja to attend the commendation service of his late elder brother, Chief Sir Okey Ezibe, at Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square.
According to him, he proceeded to Oregun after the service to join supporters and participants at the Lagos edition of the party’s ongoing town hall meetings across the country.
Obi disclosed that he had earlier received reports that a group of thugs had mobilised to attack participants who arrived early for the meeting.
He said, “The political violence being enabled by certain political actors against our supporters is an ill wind that blows no one any good. Anarchy consumes everyone. We will remain law-abiding, even in the face of extreme provocation.”
Despite the disruption, Obi said the meeting eventually held, with participants raising concerns about the economy, the rising cost of living, corruption, insecurity, healthcare, education and the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians.
He said his remarks focused on the responsibility of government to secure the country, unite citizens and implement policies capable of improving living conditions.
On the 2027 general election, Obi urged Nigerians to protect the integrity of the electoral process, stressing the need to safeguard votes from polling units through the various stages of collation.
“Every effort must be made to ensure that votes are properly protected, from the polling unit through ward collation to the final collation and declaration of results.”
He added that the NDC would deploy competent party agents to polling units to monitor and document the electoral process.
“Our party, the NDC, will also fulfil the responsibility to deploy competent agents to polling units to observe and document the process,” he said.
The former governor also urged supporters to shun violence while remaining peaceful, vigilant and determined to defend their democratic rights.
“I thank the organisers of the town hall meeting for their efforts. My appreciation also goes to our candidates in Lagos State for their continued dedication and to the good people of Lagos State for their participation and commitment to peaceful democratic engagement,” the statement concluded.
Politics Nigeria reports that panic broke out on Thursday when suspected thugs attacked NDC supporters during the town hall meeting in the Oregun area of Lagos State.
The attackers, reportedly armed with cutlasses, cudgels and stones, stormed the venue while the meeting was ongoing, disrupting proceedings and forcing participants to flee.
Chairs and other items were also scattered as attendees ran in different directions to escape the violence.
The incident is the latest reported attack on gatherings associated with the NDC ahead of the 2027 general election.
