APC Calls for Security Crackdown Following Violence at Lagos Political Event

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has issued a formal call for security agencies to identify and prosecute individuals involved in recent acts of political violence. This demand follows a series of reported disruptions at political gatherings across Nigeria, most notably an attack on a Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) town hall meeting in the Oregun area of Ikeja, Lagos.

Details of the Lagos Incident

According to reports, the disturbance occurred at approximately 11:00 a.m. at the Classique Event Centre on Kudirat Abiola Way. The venue was being prepared for a town hall meeting intended to feature the NDC’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso. Witnesses confirmed that neither candidate had arrived at the location when the incident began.

The attack caused significant panic, forcing attendees to flee and disrupting local traffic as motorists diverted to avoid the area. Reports indicate that vehicles belonging to party members were vandalized, leaving the venue littered with shattered glass. One attendee, who sustained a head injury, stated that the assailants were armed with cutlasses. The victim noted that NDC supporters eventually organized to resist the attackers, who subsequently retreated from the scene.

Wider Pattern of Political Unrest

The APC’s statement, issued by spokesperson Dele Alake on Thursday, extended its condemnation beyond the Lagos incident. The council highlighted similar reports of violence in Edo, Cross River, and Gombe states, as well as other skirmishes involving political supporters and leaders across various party affiliations.

The council emphasized that these acts of intimidation are unacceptable in a democratic process. In its statement, the APC urged security agencies to:

• Strengthen preventive measures at political venues.
• Apprehend those who instigated or participated in the violence.
• Ensure that all offenders are prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Call for Restraint

Beyond the demand for law enforcement action, the APC campaign council issued a broader appeal to all political parties, candidates, and their supporters. The council warned that actions capable of triggering public disorder threaten the stability of the electoral process. They urged political organizations to shift their focus toward substantive issues that address the needs of Nigerians, rather than engaging in or encouraging violence at campaign events.

As of the time of reporting, specific details regarding the identities of the attackers or the status of any ongoing police investigations remain unavailable. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the security challenges facing political organizers as the campaign season progresses.

Conclusion

The condemnation by the APC reflects growing concerns regarding the safety of political gatherings in Nigeria. By calling for both security intervention and a commitment to issue-based campaigning, the council has highlighted the necessity of maintaining order to ensure a peaceful democratic environment for all participants.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Channels Television

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