Supporters of Nigerian opposition leader Peter Obi were attacked during a campaign event in Lagos on Thursday, November 12. Journalists were also targeted as political tensions increased ahead of Nigeria’s presidential election.
According to AFP, a group of men carrying sticks, machetes and axes entered the event venue and disrupted the gathering.
Obi’s party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), blamed supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, the APC rejected the allegations and called for evidence.
Attack disrupts Peter Obi campaign event
The violence took place during a political gathering in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic capital.
Videos circulating on social media showed men carrying weapons entering a hall filled with opposition supporters.
The attackers reportedly forced people to leave the venue before clashes continued outside.
Photojournalist Mansur Ibrahim, who witnessed the incident, told AFP that a large group entered the building before Obi arrived.
He said the men damaged entrance doors and glass walls.
According to Ibrahim, opposition supporters pushed the attackers outside before both groups began throwing stones.
Police later fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Opposition blames ruling APC
Following the attack, the NDC accused the ruling APC of involvement.
Party spokesman Osa Director said the opposition would continue its campaign despite the violence.
He insisted that supporters would exercise their right to participate in the election.
However, the APC denied responsibility.
Party spokesman Felix Morka said those making accusations must provide evidence to support their claims.
The available reporting does not independently establish who organised the attack.
Meanwhile, the opposition has also accused the government of pressuring venue owners to cancel earlier campaign events.
The government has denied those allegations.
Journalists reportedly injured during clashes
The violence also affected journalists covering the gathering.
According to Nigerian news outlet TheCable, journalist Sam Adebanjo was beaten and attacked with an axe.
The outlet reported that his equipment was stolen during the incident.
Meanwhile, another opposition supporter appeared in footage with a bloodied bandage around his forehead.
He said someone had struck him with a bottle.
The supporter accused ruling party followers of trying to intimidate the opposition.
However, his allegation has not been independently confirmed.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of journalists and political supporters during election campaigns.
Nigeria prepares for January presidential election
Nigeria is preparing for a presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027.
President Bola Tinubu is seeking a second term.
Peter Obi, who finished third in the 2023 presidential election, is again seeking the presidency.
Meanwhile, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who finished second in 2023, faces legal challenges concerning his candidacy.
His campaign has accused the government of involvement in the legal dispute.
However, the ruling party has denied the allegation.
Political tensions raise election concerns
Nigeria has experienced election-related violence during previous political campaigns.
Clashes involving rival supporters have sometimes disrupted rallies and other public gatherings.
The latest incident has renewed concerns about political intimidation and campaign security.
However, investigators have not publicly established who was responsible for Thursday’s attack.
For now, opposition officials say they intend to continue campaigning.
The incident places renewed attention on the need to protect political participation, journalists and public safety ahead of the January vote.