- Violence Against Political Gatherings Unacceptable, Perpetrators Must Be Arrested-APC PCC
- Obi Talks Tough, Vows To Take Campaign To Every Corner Of Lagos
The political temperature ahead of the 2027 general elections rose on Thursday after suspected thugs attacked members and supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of its town hall meeting in Lagos, prompting the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council to condemn the violence and demand the arrest of those responsible.
The attack, which reportedly left several people injured and vehicles vandalised, threatened to disrupt the NDC gathering in Ikeja, where the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, eventually addressed supporters and declared that no amount of intimidation would stop his campaign across Lagos State.
In an unusual intervention that brought the ruling party into the controversy, the APC Presidential Campaign Council condemned the disruption of the NDC event, describing the growing attacks on political gatherings across the country as dangerous to democratic participation.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 12, 2026, Dele Alake, spokesperson for the APC Presidential Campaign Council, described the attacks as condemnable and warned against actions capable of triggering political crises and public disorder.
The council specifically expressed concern over the disruption of the NDC’s scheduled town hall meeting in Lagos, insisting that political differences should not degenerate into violence.
It urged political parties, politicians and their supporters to exercise restraint as campaigns gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The APC campaign council also called on security agencies to strengthen their response to threats of political violence, remain vigilant and ensure that those who instigate or perpetrate attacks are apprehended and punished in accordance with the law.
It further appealed to political parties and candidates to focus their campaigns on issues capable of improving the lives of Nigerians rather than making statements or engaging in activities that could incite violence at political gatherings.
The council said the protection of democratic participation and the maintenance of public order must remain a collective responsibility of political actors and security agencies.
But despite the violence, Obi struck a defiant tone, assuring Nigerians that their sacrifices towards building a better country would not be in vain.
Addressing supporters at the town hall meeting, the former Anambra State governor commended party members for their conduct during the incident and vowed that the NDC would take its campaign to every part of Lagos.
He declared that Lagos could be better under an NDC government and urged residents to support the party’s governorship candidate, Funso Doherty.
Obi also used the occasion to unveil some of the economic and social priorities of his proposed administration, promising a radical shift from a consumption-driven economy to a production-based system.
The NDC candidate said he and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, were committed to securing Nigeria, fighting corruption and building a country where competence, productivity and accountability would determine governance.
“I and Rabiu Kwankwaso are committed to securing Nigeria,” he declared.
One of his major promises was to generate 10,000 megawatts of electricity, insisting that the target was achievable with the right leadership and commitment.
He also promised to establish functional primary healthcare centres in every ward across the country, while pledging to bring 30 per cent of out-of-school children off the streets and provide them with quality education.
“Basic education will be compulsory and free,” Obi said.
On national security, he promised a comprehensive reform of the Nigeria Police Force, including improved welfare for officers and the recruitment of more graduates to inject professionalism and fresh thinking into policing.
“We want a country that will be manned by people who are competent,” he said.
“One of the commitments I have is to improve the welfare of the Nigeria Police. We’ll employ more graduates in our policing system so they can do things differently.”
Obi also took a swipe at President Bola Tinubu, declaring that the President was tired and should leave office, while urging Nigerians to prepare for the 2027 elections.
He called on voters to remain at their polling units until their votes were counted and transmitted, stressing that the credibility of the electoral process would depend on a clean voter register and protection of every ballot.
Earlier, the lawmaker representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Victor Umeh, assured supporters that those allegedly holding the country back would be dismantled.
The NDC governorship candidate in Lagos, Funso Doherty, also praised party members, particularly the youths, for refusing to be intimidated by the suspected attackers.
‘Youth Stood Their Ground’
Doherty said the supporters demonstrated courage by standing their ground despite attempts to disrupt the gathering.
Activist Aisha Yesufu, who also addressed the meeting, urged Nigerians to protect their votes and defend themselves within the provisions of the Constitution.
She expressed confidence that the NDC would defeat the APC in Lagos and win the 2027 presidential election.
The attack in Lagos adds to growing concerns over the safety of political gatherings as parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.
With the APC now publicly condemning the violence and the NDC insisting that intimidation would not derail its campaign, the incident has further thrust political security and the protection of democratic participation into the centre of the emerging election debate.
