Political Parties Blame Each Other for Violence at Lagos Town Hall Meeting

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are in a heated exchange following an attack on NDC supporters during a town hall meeting in Ikeja, Lagos State. The incident occurred when armed individuals disrupted the meeting, causing chaos and forcing attendees to flee.

Witnesses reported that the attackers, described as political thugs, were armed with cutlasses, cudgels, and stones. They invaded the venue, scattered chairs, and clashed with some NDC supporters who tried to resist the invasion. Some supporters managed to chase down one of the attackers and apprehended him in a nearby car park, where a video showed them surrounding and hitting him with sticks.

The violence spread to Kudirat Abiola Way, disrupting traffic as police fired shots into the air to disperse the crowd. Osa Director, the NDC National Publicity Secretary, condemned the attack, labeling it as an unfortunate act of political violence. He accused the APC of engaging in what he called ‘barbaric politics’ aimed at undermining democracy.

Dr. Constance Ikokwu, spokesperson for the NDC Campaign Council, also criticized the attack, calling it an unacceptable assault on democracy and citizens’ rights. She demanded an immediate investigation and the prosecution of those responsible, emphasizing that political participation should not be met with violence.

In response, Seye Oladejo, a former spokesman for the APC, denied any involvement from his party. He pointed out that the allegations arose on the same day the APC was holding a campaign event in Epe, far from Ikeja. Oladejo suggested that the NDC should focus on its own internal issues rather than blaming the APC for their problems.

As of now, the identities of the attackers and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, with no independent confirmation of the claims made by either party.