Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Violence erupted in Lagos State on Saturday as unidentified hoodlums violently disrupted a political event meant to mark the defection of members of the Labour Party (LP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), leaving numerous party members injured and raising serious concerns about political security and freedom of expression ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The incident occurred in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos, where the LP and ADC had organised a public ceremony to formally announce the defection of a significant number of LP members, including leadership figures, into the ADC. According to reports, the event was initially scheduled to take place at the Labour Party secretariat in Idimu but descended into chaos when a large group of hoodlums, estimated to number more than 100, stormed the venue, wielding knives, canes, and other improvised weapons. As the attackers advanced, party members and officials reportedly fled for safety, with several individuals sustaining varying degrees of injuries in the ensuing melee. The assailants were also heard shouting that the LP and ADC “were not welcome” in Lagos State, amplifying tensions and creating an atmosphere of palpable hostility.
The rapid escalation forced organisers to abandon the original venue. Undeterred by the violence, LP and ADC officials arranged for the programme to be relocated to an alternative site at the Eco Centre Event Hall in Egbeda. However, reports indicate that the group of attackers tracked the party members to the new location, again launching assaults that left additional individuals injured and contributing to widespread disorder. Eyewitness accounts described scenes of panic, with injured participants seeking refuge and medical assistance as chaos unfolded around them.
In statements following the attacks, Olaranwaju Olushola, the LP chairman in Alimosho — also known by his local political moniker “Heritage” — denounced the violence as “unwarranted” and deeply troubling. He voiced serious anxiety about the implications of such acts for Nigeria’s democratic processes, particularly at a time when political mobilisation and party re‑alignment are critical components of the national electoral calendar. Olushola pointed out that many members had already formally defected to the ADC prior to the day’s events, and that the gathering was intended merely as a symbolic public announcement. Despite this, the disruption underscored enduring tensions within Lagos political dynamics, where competition among parties and factions has sometimes spilled into public confrontations.
Moses Akujuobi, the party’s secretary in Alimosho, provided further context for the troubled proceedings, explaining that authorities had earlier advised the organisers that they lacked the required approval to hold an open political event. Akujuobi said attempts to secure authorisation from the Area M Police Commander, and later communication with the Department of State Services (DSS), did not result in clear permission, though organisers believed the planned gathering did not constitute a rally requiring formal sanction. As confusion over official clearance grew, the violent outbreak occurred — an escalation that critics argue reflects deeper issues in the regulation and facilitation of political activities.
Security personnel, including heavily armed police officers, later arrived at the Egbeda venue after the attackers had departed, but not before significant disruption and harm were inflicted. According to some reports, law enforcement officials were on site at various points during the incident, though questions have been raised about the timing of their intervention and their capacity to prevent the initial outbreak of violence. Local officers have not released comprehensive public statements detailing arrests, if any were made, or outlining subsequent investigative efforts.
The broader political context of the attack highlights persistent concerns about the safety and conduct of political gatherings in Nigeria. As the nation prepares for the 2027 elections, tensions among parties and within communities over defection, loyalty, and influence remain acute. Incidents of political violence — from targeted assaults on party supporters to disruptions of lawful assemblies — underscore ongoing challenges in managing political competition without resorting to intimidation or force. Analysts note that such clashes not only endanger individual participants but also potentially erode public confidence in the integrity of democratic processes and the ability of the state to ensure peaceful civic engagement.
Reactions to the events have begun to emerge from political figures, civil society actors, and commentators. Some have condemned the attacks as symptomatic of an increasing trend of political thuggery, calling for robust investigation and accountability measures. Others have criticised the apparent lack of clear communication and support from law enforcement in ensuring the safety of participants at authorised political events. Figures within the LP and ADC, along with community stakeholders, have urged authorities to provide protection for future political activities and to safeguard the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and express political choices without fear of violence or retribution.
Civil society organisations and observers also stress the importance of transparent inquiry into the incident, noting that unchecked political violence can have long‑term detrimental effects on civic discourse, electoral credibility, and public trust in institutions. Calls for an independent review of the circumstances leading up to and during the attacks reflect a broader demand for accountability and for reforms to strengthen political event regulation, security coordination, and community confidence well in advance of national balloting.
As of the latest reports, there have been no confirmed fatalities directly attributed to the clashes, though multiple individuals are reported to have sustained injuries of varying severity. The full extent of medical treatment required and the identities of those harmed have not been publicly detailed by emergency services or party officials. The unfolding developments signal both immediate and long‑term implications for political engagement in Lagos State and across Nigeria as the nation approaches a critical electoral period.
This incident marks one of several recent episodes illustrating the volatility of political mobilisation in Nigeria, where inter‑party rivalries, defection movements, and grassroots activities intersect with broader governance challenges. Observers will be monitoring responses from state authorities, political leadership, and the national electoral commission to assess how lessons from the Alimosho disruptions might inform strategies to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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