The Lagos State governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Funso Doherty, has said the attack on the party’s town hall meeting in Lagos reflects the continued determination of Nigerians to participate in the country’s political process ahead of the 2027 elections.
Titiansloaded reports that Doherty made the observation on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he discussed the disruption of the gathering by suspected political thugs.
He said the response of party members and other attendees to the violence showed that public enthusiasm for political activities had not disappeared since the 2023 general elections.
According to him, the incident should serve as a reminder that citizens remain willing to defend their right to political participation, despite concerns that interest in the country’s electoral process may have declined.
Doherty maintained that democracy derives its strength from the people and that their involvement remains essential to determining the country’s political future.
The governorship candidate was reacting to the invasion of the NDC meeting at Classique Event Centre in Oregun, Lagos.
The event was organised to bring together party members and supporters ahead of the 2027 elections, with the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, expected to attend alongside other leaders.
He explained that participants had assembled for what was intended to be a peaceful meeting when suspected attackers entered the premises and began assaulting people.
Doherty said the violence disrupted preparations for the programme but that those present refused to abandon the gathering. He added that the attackers eventually withdrew after meeting resistance from people at the venue.
When asked whether he knew the individuals behind the incident, he said he could not identify them. However, he suggested that the attack could have been motivated by political opposition to the NDC’s activities.
Reports indicated that the attackers arrived at about 11 a.m., allegedly carrying cutlasses, sticks and other weapons. The confrontation forced some attendees to flee, while several vehicles were reportedly damaged.
The incident also affected traffic along Kudirat Abiola Way, causing disruption around the event centre.
The identities of those responsible have not been conclusively established.
Despite the violence, NDC supporters returned to political activities at the venue after calm was restored. Doherty’s comments came as the party continued its mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.
