Violence Erupts at NDC Town Hall Meeting in Lagos Ahead of Elections

On Thursday, November 12, 2026, suspected political thugs attacked supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Oregun area of Ikeja, Lagos State. This incident interrupted preparations for a town hall meeting featuring the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The attack occurred around 11:00 a.m. at the Classique Event Centre, causing panic among attendees and people in the nearby area. Many fled the scene, and motorists were forced to turn around to avoid the chaos.

Witnesses reported that neither Obi nor Kwankwaso had arrived when the attack began. The venue was left with shattered glass and several vehicles belonging to NDC supporters vandalized. One injured supporter claimed that armed individuals with cutlasses invaded the area, trying to disrupt the gathering. He noted that NDC members fought back to defend themselves, eventually forcing the attackers to retreat.

After the violence, police and security patrols were sent to the event location to restore order. As the situation calmed, NDC supporters began to celebrate by dancing and singing while waiting for their leaders to arrive. Funso Doherty, the NDC’s governorship candidate in Lagos, also came to assess the damage.

The reasons behind the attack and the identities of those responsible remain unclear. The Lagos State Police Command has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident. This unrest raises concerns about electoral violence, especially with the upcoming presidential and National Assembly elections on January 16, 2027, and governorship elections on February 6, 2027.

Previously, Obi and the NDC have reported hostility towards their supporters in other states, including Delta and Cross River. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied any involvement in these incidents.