•  The NDC presidential candidate condemns political violence, pledges to make Lagos a major driver of Nigeria’s economy, while the House of Representatives sets up a three-week committee to investigate attacks on political gatherings ahead of the 2027 elections.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has vowed that the party will campaign across every part of Lagos State despite an attack on its supporters during a town hall meeting in Oregun, Ikeja.

Obi gave the assurance on Thursday while addressing party supporters at the gathering, which was disrupted by suspected political thugs who reportedly stormed the venue with dangerous weapons, injured participants and damaged vehicles.

The attack occurred at Classique Event Place, along Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, as party members were preparing for the arrival of Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

According to accounts from party members, the attackers, allegedly armed with cutlasses, cudgels and stones, invaded the venue around 11am, triggering panic and forcing several participants to flee for safety.

Some vehicles were reportedly vandalised, while at least four people were said to have sustained injuries, although the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

Despite the disruption, Obi proceeded with the town hall engagement alongside Kwankwaso, his wife and the party’s Lagos governorship candidate, Funso Doherty.

Condemning the incident, the former Anambra State governor commended NDC supporters for their conduct and insisted that intimidation and violence would not prevent the party from reaching voters across Lagos.

“Today is not a campaign. We will campaign in every part of Lagos State. Our town hall meeting is an opportunity for us to listen to the people. We want to serve the people, and we must listen to them. That will give us the idea of what they want,” Obi said.

He assured supporters that their commitment to the party’s political movement would not be wasted, urging them to remain focused on building what he described as a new Nigeria.

Obi: Lagos Must Become Nigeria’s Economic Powerhouse

Speaking on his vision for Lagos, Obi described the state as central to Nigeria’s economic development but argued that it had yet to achieve the level of transformation witnessed in major global cities such as Shanghai and London.

“Lagos is important to us. Lagos is the mainstream of our economy, but today Lagos is not doing what Shanghai did to China or London did to the UK. We want Lagos to power Nigeria, and to power Nigeria, we want someone like Funso Doherty,” he said.

He urged Lagos residents to support Doherty’s governorship ambition in the 2027 elections.

On national security, Obi recalled his visit to Yelwata, where he said he witnessed the devastating consequences of violent attacks on communities.

He promised that an NDC-led government would prioritise the protection of lives and property, declaring that Nigerians should be able to travel freely without fear of kidnapping or attacks.

He also pledged to tackle corruption, improve electricity generation and distribution, make basic education compulsory and free, and establish functional primary healthcare centres in every ward across the country.

Obi said his administration would work towards generating, transmitting and distributing at least 10,000 megawatts of electricity within two to three years.

He also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, arguing that the presidency required consistent energy, commitment and availability.

Police Confirm Attack, Two Men Hospitalised

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the incident and announced the commencement of an investigation.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, said two men identified as Akinyemi Akeem and Ibrahim Babsule sustained serious injuries and were taken to the Emergency Centre, Toll Gate, for medical attention.

According to the police, preliminary information suggested that the injured men were allegedly among those involved in the attack, adding that their individual roles were being investigated.

The command said officers responded to a distress call, restored normalcy to the area and commenced investigations to establish what happened and bring anyone found culpable to justice.

The NDC, however, alleged that about 200 suspected political thugs invaded the venue, accusing security operatives, including police and Department of State Services personnel, of failing to intervene promptly.

The party’s Lagos Publicity Secretary, Olushile Akinyemi, claimed that some of the security personnel watched as the attackers unleashed violence on party members.

The party also said one of the suspected attackers was apprehended and handed over to the police.

NDC Accuses APC, Ruling Party Denies Involvement

The incident has triggered accusations and counter-accusations between the NDC and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The NDC’s National Director of Publicity, Osai Director, accused the APC of masterminding attacks against its members in Lagos and Delta states, describing the incidents as attempts to undermine democracy.

However, the Lagos APC rejected the allegation, describing it as false and baseless.

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

He challenged the NDC to provide credible evidence linking the APC to the attack and submit such evidence to security agencies.

The APC also condemned political violence and called on security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and prevent attacks on lawful political gatherings.

Similarly, the APC Presidential Campaign Council condemned attacks on political activities across the country and urged security agencies to arrest and prosecute those responsible.

House of Representatives Opens Investigation

In a related development, the House of Representatives has constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate reported cases of political violence, attacks on political gatherings and disruption of political activities across Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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

The committee, chaired by the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, has been given three weeks to investigate the immediate and remote causes of political violence and submit its findings.

Agbedi warned that the growing incidents of political intimidation, assault and destruction of property could threaten the peaceful conduct of the 2027 elections and undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

He cited several incidents across the country, including reported attacks in Enugu, Katsina, Nasarawa and Delta states.

The lawmaker also referenced Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to peaceful assembly and association, including the right to form and belong to political parties.

He urged the House to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incidents and examine the performance of public authorities responsible for enforcing relevant laws.

CDHR Demands 16-Year Ban For Beneficiaries Of Electoral Violence

Also reacting to the growing concerns, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has proposed that political candidates who benefit from electoral violence should be disqualified from contesting elections for up to 16 years.

The organisation’s National President, Debo Adeniran, said electoral contests should revolve around ideas, policies and programmes rather than intimidation, assault and destruction.

He urged political leaders to caution their supporters and called for investigations into reported attacks across the country.

Adeniran argued that individuals who organise or benefit from political violence should face appropriate sanctions, proposing amendments to electoral laws to make such disqualification possible.

Concerns Mount Ahead Of 2027 Elections

The latest attack comes amid growing concerns over political violence across the country as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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 accounted for 33 reported incidents, while misinformation and disinformation accounted for 29.

The committee identified Kaduna, Edo and Enugu as potential election flashpoints, citing recurring political violence, armed disruptions and other security concerns.

Other reported incidents include the attacks on political supporters in Katsina, the alleged attack on Peter Obi’s convoy in Calabar, and violence during a political procession in Asaba, Delta State, where one person was reportedly killed and five others injured.

The developments have renewed calls for security agencies to provide equal protection for all political parties and ensure that perpetrators of political violence are brought to justice, irrespective of their political affiliations.

With the 2027 elections approaching, Obi’s declaration that the NDC will campaign across every part of Lagos signals the party’s determination to continue its political activities despite the violence, while the ongoing police and legislative investigations will be closely watched.

Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, has challenged his political opponents to present verifiable records of their achievements and concrete development plans, insisting that the electorate should support leaders with proven performance rather than those who rely on propaganda.

Mbah made the remarks while addressing supporters during his re-election campaign activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state.

The governor urged the people of Enugu to critically examine the credentials, track records and policy proposals of those seeking their mandate, arguing that leadership should be determined by what candidates have accomplished and what they intend to achieve for the people.

According to him, his administration had presented its records and development agenda to the electorate during the 2022–2023 electioneering period, insisting that political opponents should equally be prepared to demonstrate what they have achieved.

Enugu State Governor, Dr  Peter Mbah

“We’re dealing with a people without records because they cannot point to anything they have done in life. Not one,” Mbah said.

He alleged that some of those criticising his administration could not point to meaningful achievements, adding that the electorate deserved leaders with genuine records of service and accomplishment.

The governor asked Enugu voters to judge him and his political opponents by their records and credibility.

Mbah further challenged opposition politicians to articulate clear policy proposals for critical sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture and the economy.

He maintained that political campaigns should be about presenting workable ideas and development programmes capable of improving the lives of the people, rather than engaging in propaganda and attacks.

The governor expressed confidence in the judgment of Enugu voters, describing them as politically conscious and capable of distinguishing between genuine development records and what he characterised as political misinformation.

He urged the electorate not to be swayed by what he described as propaganda from political opponents, but to remain focused on leadership, performance and demonstrable achievements.

Mbah’s remarks come as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the governor seeking another mandate to continue his administration’s development agenda in Enugu State.

…Pledge to Mobilise Support for APC Candidates Across Enugu

Youths from Awkunanaw in Enugu State have endorsed Governor Peter Mbah for a second term in office and President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, pledging to mobilise support for all All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the state.

The youths, under the aegis of the Awkunanaw Political Forum (APF), also rejected the governorship ambitions of other Awkunanaw indigenes seeking to challenge Mbah, urging them to shelve their aspirations and support the incumbent governor.

The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued on Tuesday following the forum’s youth-led political convention held at the Enugu South Local Government Secretariat on November 10, 2026.

The communiqué, signed by the Director-General of APF, Hon. Arinze Nnamani, and the Executive Chairman of Enugu South Local Government Area, Hon. Caleb Onyema Ani, said the endorsement followed extensive consultations on the political and socio-economic development of Enugu State.

Declaring their support for Mbah, the forum cited his administration’s investments in education, healthcare, road infrastructure, transportation and security.

Specifically, the group highlighted the establishment of 268 Smart Green Schools, 260 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres, construction of over 1,521 kilometres of roads, five transport terminals and the deployment of more than 100 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses.

The forum also commended the governor for reviving moribund state-owned assets and completing abandoned projects, including Hotel Presidential, Nigergas Limited, Enugu United Palm Products Limited and the International Conference Centre.

Describing Mbah as its preferred candidate, the group said his leadership and development agenda aligned with the collective aspirations of the people of Enugu State.

Explaining its opposition to other Awkunanaw governorship aspirants, the forum recalled the support it said Nkanu East Local Government Area gave former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani during his administration.

“Our brothers from Nkanu East LGA showed us support during His Excellency, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani’s tenure. We can only return the favour by standing in solidarity behind the governor,” the communiqué stated.

The youths also endorsed President Tinubu for a second term, citing his administration’s economic reforms, Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) student loan scheme, consumer credit initiative, infrastructure projects and Presidential CNG Initiative.

“We pledge our unalloyed loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and commit our organisational strength to ensuring total victory for him in 2027,” the communiqué added.

The forum further pledged to mobilise and campaign for APC candidates seeking legislative and executive positions across Enugu State.

It urged Awkunanaw youths to remain united and actively participate in the political process, declaring: “One Voice. One Destiny. Awkunanaw for APC!”

At the convention, former member of the House of Representatives and Director of Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Enugu State, Hon. USA Igwesi, warned constituents against split-ticket voting, insisting that political alignment between the state and federal governments was important for attracting development and federal opportunities.

Igwesi argued that supporting Governor Mbah while voting for a different presidential candidate could undermine the governor’s political influence and strategic position at the national level.

“This politics is a serious business. Those saying they would vote Peter Mbah and another party for the presidency are not doing Peter Mbah any good. If Tinubu loses, it will not augur well for Peter Mbah or our state’s strategic positioning,” he declared.

He further maintained that Tinubu’s re-election would create opportunities for federal appointments and infrastructure projects in the South-East.

“If Tinubu wins, appointments will come to us, and critical federal projects will continue to come here. We have many more reasons to vote for him. That someone is your brother shouldn’t make you lose sight of the general good just to vote for him. The South-East’s turn for the presidency will surely come, but not now,” Igwesi added.

Highlighting federal interventions in the region, he cited the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), ongoing gas pipeline infrastructure projects and the reconstruction of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to the South-East.

He also commended Mbah’s administration for its infrastructure development and efforts to revitalise state-owned enterprises, saying the initiatives were creating opportunities for sustainable employment among young people.

Igwesi praised the convener of the gathering, Hon. Arinze Nnamani, for bringing political stakeholders and youths together to mobilise support ahead of the 2027 elections.

Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Enugu South Local Government Area, Hon. Caleb Ani, welcomed participants and said the convention was organised to consolidate support for what he described as proven leadership at both the state and federal levels.

Ani praised Mbah for what he described as the equitable distribution of development projects across the 17 local government areas of Enugu State.

“I want to thank you all for coming because this event is very important and significant. Across every state and sector, we know what Governor Peter Mbah has been able to achieve across all 17 local government areas,” he said.

The council chairman noted that projects ranging from Smart Green Schools to Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres were transforming communities across the state.

“All of us are going to align with that which is very beneficial to the development strategy and strength of Governor Peter Mbah. Enugu State is moving forward, and we must stay on this path of accelerated development,” Ani added.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Awkunanaw Political Forum, Hon. Arinze Nnamani, said the political direction of the council area ahead of 2027 had been established through the collective resolve of its elders and stakeholders.

He called for the alignment of candidates seeking elective positions in the Senate, House of Representatives and Enugu State House of Assembly with the political direction of the state’s executive leadership.

“We are performing as assembly members, senators and representative members to say clearly that come 2027, there will be no vacancy in Government House or the Villa. We must make sure we are part of the winning team,” Nnamani declared.

He urged youths to resist monetary inducements and ethnic sentiments from opposition politicians, stressing that long-term development should take precedence over short-term political benefits.

“This gathering is more than a political gathering; we want to awaken our conscience. Letting money dictate your vote or hearing someone tell you ‘you are getting richer’ tomorrow will only make you lose sight of what this government has already started doing for our future,” he said.

Other political leaders and stakeholders who expressed support for the joint endorsement included the Chairman of Udi Local Government Area, Hon. Engr. Hyginus O.; member representing Nkanu West Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Iloabuchi Ani; member representing Ezeagu Constituency, Rt. Hon. Chima Obieze; and Deputy Chief Whip and member representing Enugu South Constituency II, Hon. Princess Obiajulu Ugwu.

Others were the Chief Fire Officer of the Enugu State Fire Service, Engr. Okwudili Ohaa; Chief Dr. John Egbo, Deputy Sheriff (Rtd.) and Managing Director of Enugu East Zone Terminals; Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Nnamani, APC candidate for Nkanu West House of Assembly; Dr. Amaka Ngene; Chairman of STVSMB, Hon. Samuel Okoro; and Special Assistant to the Governor on Mining and Solid Minerals.

Also present were Dr. Kenechukwu Nnamani, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Enugu State Investment Development Authority; Rt. Hon. Paul Okechukwu Ogbe, Senior Special Assistant on Youth Mobilisation, Enugu East; Chief Chijioke Oscar Ngene, former Deputy Chairman of Nkanu West and Special Adviser to the governor; and Engr. Ogugua Emehelu, Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure to Governor Mbah, among others.

The speakers maintained that Tinubu and Mbah were their preferred candidates for the 2027 elections, urging the people of Awkunanaw to support APC candidates across all levels of government.

The convention ended with a voice vote by delegates adopting Tinubu and Mbah as their preferred candidates for the 2027 presidential and governorship elections.

Youth leaders also pledged to replicate the mobilisation and sensitisation campaign across all political wards in Awkunanaw ahead of the elections.