NDC Town Hall Attack in Lagos Draws Condemnation From Obi and Yesufu

Suspected thugs armed with cutlasses, cudgels and stones invaded an NDC town hall meeting in the Oregun area of Lagos on Thursday, scattering chairs and forcing participants to flee. The attack occurred before the scheduled appearance of presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Obi arrived at the venue less than two hours after the incident, which reportedly left one person hospitalised. He joined NDC members, including Lagos governorship candidate Funsho Doherty, in reciting Nigeria’s former national anthem.

“Nobody has monopoly of madness and citizens have constitutional right to defend their lives.”

Some supporters regrouped after the attack and took to the streets chanting the names of Obi and Kwankwaso. Obi’s convoy was subsequently received by a large crowd of supporters amid cheers.

The confrontation extended to Kudirat Abiola Way, disrupting traffic as some supporters pursued fleeing attackers and apprehended one suspect at a car park. A video showed young men surrounding the suspect and hitting him with sticks, while policemen were reportedly seen firing shots into the air to disperse the crowd.

NDC National Publicity Secretary Osa Director described the attack as unfortunate and unwarranted, accusing the APC of promoting barbaric politics. Rights activist Aisha Yesufu said Nigerians have a right to defend themselves and that courtesy is not a strategy in the face of oppression.

Obi condemned the attack and assured supporters that their sacrifices and efforts would not be in vain. He commended party members for their conduct and said the NDC would continue its campaign across Lagos, urging residents to support governorship candidate Funso Doherty.

An injured supporter told Channels Television that attendees retaliated in self-defence despite being outnumbered, warning that the incident could heighten political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Lagos State chapter of the APC denied allegations that it sponsored the attack.