Suspected political thugs have disrupted a town hall meeting organised by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Oregun area of Lagos State, forcing participants to flee for safety.
A video circulating on Thursday showed individuals wielding sticks and other objects as they stormed the meeting venue, triggering panic among attendees.
The footage captured a chaotic scene inside the hall, with participants scrambling towards the exit as chairs and other furniture were overturned. Some attendees were seen carrying blue flags associated with the party when the disturbance began.
The violence reportedly extended to the adjoining compound, where people were seen running in different directions around parked vehicles, including a white minibus. Some individuals wielding sticks were also seen chasing others.
The identities of the attackers and their political affiliations had not been established as of the time of filing this report.
The incident adds to a growing list of reported attacks and disruptions involving political activities associated with the NDC and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
On November 4, Obi’s convoy was reportedly attacked near Watt Market in Calabar, Cross River State, while he was travelling to attend the party’s presidential town hall meeting.
Suspected political thugs allegedly attacked the convoy, throwing stones, bottles and other objects at vehicles and supporters. One suspect was subsequently arrested in connection with the incident.
Speaking after the incident, Obi disclosed that members of his security team had advised him to take another route after noticing the attackers allegedly carrying machetes.
Earlier, on September 18, a campaign rally involving supporters of Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, was reportedly disrupted in Warri, Delta State.
Obi’s media aide, Esther Umoh, alleged that politically sponsored thugs attacked members of the campaign group, including the entourage
of the NDC governorship candidate in the state.Another incident occurred on September 12 when armed hoodlums reportedly invaded an NDC ward meeting in Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, firing gunshots and injuring some attendees.
The Enugu State Police Command subsequently ordered an investigation into the attack and a separate disruption of a Peoples Democratic Party rally in Agbani.
Police spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe said the Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, had directed the Deputy
Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the incidents and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
The NDC later identified eight victims of the Enugu attack. Police investigations also resulted in the arrest of a traditional ruler, Obiora Igwesi, a former lawmaker and other individuals over their alleged involvement.
Meanwhile, a man identified as Ani Samuel Chidi, who recorded and circulated footage of the Enugu incident, was arraigned over allegations that he published a false statement accusing another individual of participating in the violence.
The development attracted criticism from the Enugu State chapter of the NDC, which accused the police of targeting someone who had recorded evidence of the attack.
Similarly, on September 8, Obi’s planned visit to Yelwata in Benue State to meet families of victims of the June 2025 massacre was disrupted after youths reportedly blocked his convoy.
Obi accused suspected hired thugs of preventing him from reaching the community, describing the visit as a humanitarian mission.
However, the Benue State Government denied involvement, while the police confirmed that officers had provided security for the movement and said they were investigating the circumstances surrounding the blockade.
The latest incident in Lagos has again raised concerns about political violence and the safety of political gatherings as parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.
