Demola Olarewaju, a senior political assistant to African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of being willing to plunge Nigeria into violence to keep President Bola Tinubu in power.
Olarewaju made the allegation while reacting to the attack on members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during a town hall meeting in Lagos State.
The political aide accused the ruling party of placing Tinubu’s political ambition above the peace and stability of the country.
In a post on his X account on Thursday, Olarewaju wrote:
“APC is obviously ready to burn down Nigeria from North to South as long as Bola Tinubu can be President over the ashes.”
Armed Attack Disrupts NDC Meeting in Lagos
The incident occurred around 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 12, at the Classique Event Centre in the Oregun area of Ikeja, Lagos State.
The NDC had organised the town hall meeting as part of its political engagements ahead of the 2027 general election.
However, suspected political thugs armed with cutlasses, cudgels and other dangerous weapons reportedly invaded the premises as party supporters arrived for the gathering.
The attackers disrupted activities at the venue, forcing participants and journalists to flee for safety.
According to reports, the absence of adequate security personnel at the initial stage of the attack made it difficult to contain the situation.
Some attendees reportedly ran into the main hall, while others sought refuge behind parked vehicles and within different sections of the premises.
TheCable Journalist Assaulted, Equipment Stolen
A multimedia journalist with TheCable, Samuel Adebanjo, was among those attacked during the incident.
Adebanjo reportedly sought refuge behind a parked vehicle but was confronted by about six attackers who assaulted him with punches, slaps and kicks.
One of the attackers allegedly struck his wrist with an axe. However, his wristwatch reportedly prevented the weapon from making direct contact with his skin.
The attackers subsequently seized his camera, gimbal and microphone, equipment reportedly worth millions of naira.
Recounting his experience, the journalist said he had been trying to capture the arrival of NDC supporters when the attackers stormed the premises.
He explained that he initially attempted to run towards the hall but changed direction after noticing that the attackers were heading there.
Adebanjo said the assailants demanded his camera before physically assaulting him when he resisted.
He eventually surrendered the equipment after one of the attackers warned that he could be killed if he continued resisting.
NDC Chieftain Condemns Attack on Supporters
The NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, also condemned the incident in a post on X.
He wrote:
“Thugs attacking NDC members in the Town Hall meeting scheduled for classic event center, oregun, Lagos. Why is APC afraid of Peter Obi?”
The attack reportedly led to a confrontation between some NDC supporters and the suspected assailants, with party members resisting attempts to gain access to the main hall.
Meanwhile, the APC Presidential Campaign Council condemned the disruption and called on security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible.
The council also urged political parties and their supporters to exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of triggering violence.
Fresh Concerns Over Attacks on NDC Supporters
The Lagos incident comes amid reports of attacks on political gatherings associated with the NDC ahead of the 2027 general election.
On November 7, armed men reportedly attacked NDC supporters during a political procession in Asaba, Delta State, leaving several participants injured and campaign vehicles damaged.
The party subsequently condemned the incident and called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
In October, suspected armed hoodlums also reportedly attacked NDC members during political activities in Enugu State.
The incidents have raised concerns about the safety of opposition political activities and the increasing tension surrounding preparations for the 2027 general election.
While political parties have traded accusations over some of the attacks, the identities and affiliations of the perpetrators must be established through investigations by the relevant security agencies.
The latest incident in Lagos has further intensified political exchanges, with Olarewaju accusing the APC of putting Tinubu’s continued stay in office above national stability.
