Supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) were attacked by suspected political thugs on Thursday during a town hall meeting in the Oregun area of Lagos State, raising fresh concerns about the safety of opposition activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The attackers, armed with cutlasses, cudgels and stones, reportedly invaded the venue around 11 am, disrupted proceedings and sent participants fleeing for safety.
Video footage shared on X by TheCable showed the hoodlums approaching the venue and confronting NDC supporters, while motorists on Kudirat Abiola Way made U-turns or diverted to avoid the violence.
According to the report, the attackers initially attempted to gain entry into the main hall but were resisted by supporters of the party.
Some of the suspected attackers were also heard speaking about the relatively small number of NDC supporters at the venue, suggesting they could be overpowered. Some of the attackers were also heard asking their superiors for permission to invade the venue with guns.
The attack disrupted what had been a peaceful gathering, with supporters of the party earlier seen dancing and singing ahead of the commencement of the town hall.
The incident adds to a growing list of attacks and threats against opposition politicians and their supporters as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
In recent weeks, political gatherings and campaign movements involving opposition figures have come under attack in different parts of the country, prompting concerns about the ability of parties to campaign freely and supporters to participate without intimidation.
On November 7, a ‘Million Man March’ organised by the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement under the NDC banner in Asaba, Delta State, was attacked by armed men, leaving one person dead and five others injured.
Earlier, the campaign convoy of African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar was attacked in Kebbi State, while African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore was assaulted at a restaurant in Ado-Ekiti.
The repeated incidents have heightened concerns among civil society groups and political observers that violence and intimidation could undermine participation and confidence in the electoral process.
Lagos is particularly significant to the NDC’s political calculations, given its electoral history. Peter Obi, the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election, won the state in the 2023 presidential election when he contested under the Labour Party, polling 582,354 votes against the All Progressives Congress.
Obi’s running mate for the 2027 election is Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State.