Reps condemn political violence as thugs attack NDC supporters in Lagos; NDC, APC-PCC fault attack

By By Henry Umoru, and Gift ChapiOdekina The House of Representatives, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council (APC-PCC) have condemned reported cases of political violence across the country following an attack on NDC supporters during a town hall meeting in Lagos. While the NDC demanded an immediate investigation, arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attack in Lagos, the APC-PCC also condemned the incident and called on security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators.

The Lagos State chapter of the APC equally condemned the reported attack but denied any involvement, challenging the NDC to provide credible evidence linking the ruling party to the incident. The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, also resolved to investigate reported attacks, intimidation and disruption of political activities across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the House Minority Leader, Rep. Fred Agbedi, and 16 other lawmakers, amid growing concerns over attacks on political meetings, rallies and processions in different parts of the country. Presenting the motion on behalf of the sponsors, Agbedi condemned acts of violence, intimidation, assault and destruction of property associated with political activities, irrespective of the political parties or individuals affected.

He appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to reject inflammatory rhetoric, discourage violence and cooperate with security agencies to maintain public peace. Citing Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the Minority Leader reminded lawmakers that Nigerians were guaranteed the right to assemble freely and associate with others, including the right to form or belong to political parties.

He also cited the constitutional provision which makes the security and welfare of the people the primary purpose of government, stressing the need to protect citizens participating in legitimate political activities. Agbedi urged the House to invoke Section 88(1) of the Constitution, which empowers the National Assembly to investigate matters within its legislative competence and examine the conduct of public authorities responsible for administering relevant laws.

To illustrate the growing concerns, he cited several incidents of political violence recorded in different states. He recalled the disruption of political meetings in Enugu State on September 12, 2026, during which the police reportedly confirmed that two attendees were injured, while one person was allegedly killed. He also cited an attack on APC supporters travelling to a rally in Katsina State on October 28, 2026, which led to the arrest of 14 suspects.

In Nasarawa State, Agbedi recalled the attack on an APC rally in Lafia on November 4, 2026, where several people were reportedly injured. He further mentioned a violent incident during a political procession in Asaba, Delta State, on November 7, 2026, in which the police reportedly confirmed that one person was killed and five others injured. The lawmaker warned that continued attacks, intimidation and destruction of property linked to political activities could result in further loss of lives and injuries, while discouraging citizens from participating in the electoral process.

He, however, stressed that allegations of responsibility for the incidents must be established through impartial, thorough and evidence-based investigations. The House subsequently constituted an ad hoc committee headed by the Leader of the House, Julius Ihonvbere, to investigate the immediate and remote causes of politically motivated violence and report its findings within three weeks.

The committee comprises the House Leader, Minority Leader, chairmen and deputy chairmen of the House Committees on Police Affairs and National Security and Intelligence, as well as two additional members drawn from the committees. NDC demands probe, prosecution Meanwhile, the national leadership of the NDC has condemned the attack on its supporters by suspected political thugs who allegedly invaded its town hall meeting in Oregun, along Kudirat Abiola Way, Ikeja, Lagos.

The party demanded the immediate investigation, arrest and prosecution of those responsible, insisting that the incident would not intimidate its members or silence Nigerians. In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Spokesperson of the NDC National Campaign Council, Dr Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, the party described the incident as an unacceptable assault on democracy, citizens’ fundamental rights and freedom of political association.

It said no political party or group had a monopoly on Nigeria, adding that nobody had the right to deploy violence, intimidation or thuggery to silence opposing voices. The party also called for an end to what it described as the dangerous culture of political violence being witnessed in s