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Suspected political thugs armed with cutlasses, cudgels and stones invaded the Classique Event Centre, Oregun, Lagos, around 11am on Thursday, disrupting a town hall meeting organised for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
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The attackers attempted to force their way into the main hall but were resisted by party supporters, triggering a confrontation that sent participants and other people around the venue fleeing for safety.
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Vehicles parked around the event centre were damaged, while one suspected attacker was apprehended by party supporters and handed over to security personnel deployed to restore order.
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NDC chieftain, Segun Aka-Bashorun, alleged possible government sponsorship of the attack, citing the venue’s proximity to the governor’s office, although no evidence was immediately provided to substantiate the allegation.
November 12, (THEWILL) – Suspected political thugs armed with cutlasses, cudgels and stones on Thursday attacked supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during a town hall meeting organised for the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, at Classique Event Centre, Oregun, Lagos State.
The attack disrupted the gathering, damaged vehicles parked around the venue and triggered panic, forcing participants to flee as party supporters confronted the assailants.
The incident occurred at about 11am, shortly after supporters of Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, had gathered at the event centre, singing and dancing in anticipation of the commencement of the town hall meeting.
THEWILL gathered that the atmosphere was peaceful before the suspected attackers approached the venue from the Kudirat Abiola Road axis of Oregun.
An eyewitness said, the hoodlums attempted to gain access to the main hall but were initially resisted by NDC supporters. They subsequently forced their way into the gathering area, disrupting proceedings and sending participants scampering for safety.
Chairs and other items were scattered in the confusion, while motorists travelling along Kudirat Abiola Way made U-turns or diverted to alternative routes to avoid the unfolding violence. Pedestrians also fled the area.
During the confrontation, party supporters resisted the attackers, while a man suspected of participating in the assault was apprehended and tied up after allegedly damaging vehicles parked around the event centre.
Security personnel were subsequently deployed to the scene to restore order and prevent further escalation.
Their presence helped to calm the situation, although the planned town hall meeting was put on hold as supporters began leaving the venue amid continuing security concerns.
Obi had yet to arrive at the event centre when the attack occurred.
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Reacting to the incident, NDC chieftain, Segun Aka-Bashorun, alleged that the attack could have been government-sponsored, pointing to the proximity of the venue to the governor’s office.
“This should be government-sponsored because this is very close to the governor’s office,” Aka-Bashorun said.
While there is no immediate official statement confirming the allegation, THEWILL reports that the incident comes against the backdrop of an earlier attack on Obi’s convoy in Calabar, Cross River State, in November, which also raised security concerns surrounding the party’s political engagements.
In that incident, suspected hoodlums attacked vehicles in the convoy as it returned from the palace of the Obong of Calabar to Metropolitan Hotel, where the NDC had scheduled a presidential town hall meeting.
The Cross River State Police Command subsequently announced the arrest of a 27-year-old suspect, identified as Victor Edet Yellow Duke, in connection with the incident.
Obi was the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, when he polled 582,354 votes in Lagos State, defeating Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
The result was particularly significant given Lagos’ historical association with the APC and Tinubu, a former governor of the state.
Obi is now the NDC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, with former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as his running mate.
The Lagos town hall meeting was part of the party’s political engagements aimed at mobilising supporters and consolidating its presence ahead of the 2027 general election.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
