Jude Ezenwafor, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the upcoming Anambra State election, has reportedly been shot by unknown gunmen in an ambush in Abuja. The incident, which occurred on Friday night, has left Ezenwafor and two other occupants of his vehicle seriously injured, raising concerns about political violence ahead of the November 8, 2025, polls.

Sources close to the incident confirmed that Ezenwafor was attacked near the Wuse 2 area of the Federal Capital Territory as he was returning home from an appointment. He sustained gunshot wounds to his legs and was rushed to a private hospital in Abuja, where he is currently receiving treatment. Doctors are reportedly preparing for surgery to remove the bullets.

Speaking from his hospital bed early Saturday morning, Ezenwafor confirmed the harrowing experience. “I’m currently in the hospital. The doctors are making efforts to operate me so that they can pull out bullets from my body,” he told journalists, acknowledging his near-death encounter. Videos circulating on the PDP Anambra governorship forum reportedly show the candidate’s injuries, with Ezenwafor expressing gratitude for surviving the attack.

While the motive behind the ambush remains unclear, and no arrests have been publicly announced, an investigation into the incident is said to be underway. When contacted on Saturday, the FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, stated she had not yet been formally informed of the incident.

Ezenwafor, a real estate developer who emerged unopposed as the PDP’s flagbearer for the Anambra gubernatorial race, has been a prominent figure in the state’s political landscape. He was previously a presidential aspirant under the Labour Party before rejoining the PDP. Insiders within the PDP have indicated that the attack could impact the party’s campaign plans, depending on the severity of Ezenwafor’s injuries and his recovery timeline.

The convener of “Ifeabata Students Movement,” Emma Anyanechi, a group in solidarity with Ezenwafor’s ambition, issued a strong condemnation of the attack, thanking divine protection for saving their principal and calling for justice to prevail against those responsible.

The shooting of a major governorship candidate casts a shadow over the political climate in Nigeria, particularly as states prepare for upcoming elections, highlighting persistent security challenges and concerns about the safety of political actors.