The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has condemned the recent disruption of a Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) town hall meeting in Lagos, calling for the identification, arrest, and prosecution of those responsible for such attacks.
In a statement, spokesperson Dele Alake urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to exercise caution and avoid actions that could lead to public disorder or violence. The APC’s appeal comes in the wake of reports of attacks on several political gatherings across Nigeria, including incidents in Edo, Cross River, and Gombe states.
The NDC meeting in Lagos, where the party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso were scheduled to appear, was disrupted by suspected political thugs. Witnesses reported the incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. at the Classique Event Centre in the Oregun area of Ikeja, before either candidate had arrived. Attendees reportedly fled the venue in panic, and some vehicles belonging to party members were vandalized.
According to an injured supporter, the attackers, armed with cutlasses, attempted to disrupt the gathering. However, NDC members who were in attendance worked together to push back against the assailants, who ultimately retreated. Alake described the attack as unacceptable and emphasized the need for security forces to step up efforts to prevent violence at political events.
He reiterated the council’s call for political parties to focus on constructive campaigning that would benefit Nigerians rather than resort to violence.
