The Lagos State Police Command has launched an investigation into an attack on supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during a town hall meeting organised for the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the Oregun area of Lagos.

The incident occurred on Thursday at Classique Event Place, along Kudirat Abiola Way, Ikeja, shortly before Obi was expected to address party members and supporters.

Suspected political thugs reportedly stormed the venue, wielding cutlasses, sticks, stones and other dangerous objects, disrupting the gathering and attacking attendees.

Videos of the incident circulated on social media, showing clashes between the suspected attackers and NDC supporters. The confrontation reportedly spilled onto the adjoining road, causing panic among motorists and pedestrians.

Several vehicles belonging to party members were damaged, while some attendees sustained injuries. Two NDC members, identified as Akinyemi Akeem and Ibrahim Babsule, were reported to have suffered serious injuries and were taken to the Emergency Centre at Toll Gate for medical attention.

The police confirmed that an investigation had commenced, while a suspected attacker was reportedly apprehended by party supporters and handed over to security operatives.

The identity of those who organised or sponsored the attack has not been established. The circumstances surrounding the violence, including the motive of the attackers, remain subject to investigation.

The NDC accused security operatives at the scene of failing to intervene promptly. The party’s publicity secretary, Olushile Akinyemi, alleged that police and Department of State Services personnel present at the venue watched as the attackers assaulted members.

However, the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) denied involvement in the incident, describing suggestions that the party sponsored the attack as baseless.

The APC’s publicity secretary, Seye Oladejo, said party members and campaign officials were in Epe for the flag-off of its 2027 campaign activities when the incident occurred.

He challenged the NDC to provide evidence linking the APC to the attack and submit it to the appropriate security agencies.

The APC Presidential Campaign Council also condemned the disruption, calling on security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for attacks on political gatherings.

Its spokesperson, Dele Alake, urged political parties and their supporters to exercise restraint and focus on issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The attack has also drawn attention from the House of Representatives, which on Thursday constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate reported cases of political violence, attacks on political gatherings and disruptions of political activities across the country.

The committee followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the House Minority Leader, Fred Agbedi, and 16 other lawmakers.

Agbedi warned that unchecked political violence could undermine democratic participation, threaten the peaceful conduct of the 2027 elections and erode public confidence in the electoral process.

The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over attacks and disruptions involving political parties and their supporters in different parts of the country.

The National Peace Committee recently reported 109 breaches of the National Peace Accord across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory during a 10-week monitoring period between August 19 and October 27. Political violence and thuggery were among the leading violations recorded.

The Committee on the Rights of the Child and Human Rights (CDHR) has also called on political leaders to caution their supporters against violence. Its national president, Debo Adeniran, warned that intimidation and attacks could discourage citizens from participating in the democratic process.

With political activities gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, the Lagos incident has renewed calls for security agencies to protect lawful political gatherings, investigate attacks impartially and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

The ability of political parties and their supporters to organise meetings, express political opinions and campaign without intimidation remains central to protecting democratic freedoms and ensuring a peaceful electoral process.