The Lagos State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), George Ashiru, has called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to publicly denounce political violence and intimidation targeting opposition parties in the state.
Ashiru made the appeal during an interview in Lagos on Saturday while reacting to the attack on supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) at a town hall meeting in the state on Thursday.
He urged Sanwo-Olu to issue a strong statement condemning political violence and assure residents that opposition parties and their supporters would be protected.
The ADC chairman said such a move would demonstrate the state government’s commitment to democratic principles and make clear that political intimidation would not be tolerated.
He also called on security agencies and other government institutions to publicly condemn political violence and take practical steps to safeguard the lives and property of residents.
Ashiru disclosed that the ADC had faced repeated attacks, blockades and intimidation of its members since 2025, adding that the party had consistently raised concerns over the incidents.
According to him, the attacks occurred in Mushin, Alimosho and other local government areas, including Ibeju-Lekki and Epe, prompting the party to organise a press conference and submit petitions to the police and the Department of State Services (DSS).
He said the experiences had created the impression that some political actors were unwilling to allow opposition parties to operate freely in Lagos.
Ashiru questioned whether some political actors understood the principles of democracy, which he said guaranteed participation and representation for all citizens.
Describing the attack on NDC supporters as unfortunate, he expressed concern that a relatively new political party was already facing disruptions to its peaceful activities.
He maintained that political parties should be free to organise meetings, mobilise supporters and present their candidates to voters without intimidation or interference.
The ADC chairman urged security agencies to take a more proactive approach to preventing political violence by maintaining regular communication with political parties’ security officers and coordinating security arrangements during political activities.
He stressed that security agencies must go beyond holding meetings and making promises by taking concrete measures to prevent attacks and arrest those responsible.
Ashiru alleged that some previous attacks on ADC members occurred in the presence of police officers, who failed to intervene effectively.
He further claimed that no arrests were made after several of the incidents and that the police did not issue public statements addressing them.
He warned that allowing political violence to continue unchecked could trigger broader security problems, noting that political disagreements could escalate into conflicts affecting entire communities.
According to him, what begins as a minor political confrontation could eventually develop into widespread violence.
He reiterated the need for security agencies to protect voters’ lives and property while ensuring that political parties could carry out their lawful activities without intimidation.
The attack on NDC supporters reportedly took place on Thursday when suspected political thugs armed with cutlasses, cudgels, stones and other dangerous weapons invaded Classique Event Place in Oregun, Lagos, where party members had gathered for a town hall meeting.
The meeting was organised ahead of the expected arrival of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, who were scheduled to engage supporters and stakeholders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the attackers stormed the venue while participants were preparing for the meeting, causing panic and forcing supporters and journalists to flee for safety.
