Amnesty International has condemned a violent attack by suspected political thugs on members and supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos State, which left more than a dozen people injured and several vehicles destroyed.
The attack, which occurred at the Classique Event Centre along Kudirat Abiola Way, also disrupted preparations for a town hall meeting scheduled to be addressed by the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.
In a statement, Amnesty International described the incident as one of the most vicious and coordinated attacks on opposition political gatherings since political campaigns began in August, warning that the growing wave of politically motivated violence poses a serious threat to democratic participation and fundamental human rights.
According to the organisation, the attack left the event venue in disarray, with bloodstains on the floors, as suspected assailants wielding machetes and knives targeted people gathered for the meeting.
Videos obtained and verified by Amnesty International reportedly showed groups of thugs surrounding NDC supporters and assaulting them with sticks and iron rods.
The violence also disrupted traffic along Kudirat Abiola Way, forcing nearby businesses to close hurriedly as residents and passers-by fled in different directions for safety.
Amnesty International disclosed that it had documented more than 127 incidents of politically motivated violence nationwide between August 19, 2026, and November 14, 2026.
The affected states include Edo, Enugu, Cross River, Delta, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto and Lagos.
The organisation further revealed that it had received reports and verified digital evidence of similar disruptions targeting political activities in other parts of the country.
It called on the Nigerian authorities to thoroughly investigate the Lagos attack and ensure that anyone suspected of involvement is brought to justice through fair trials, without recourse to the death penalty.
Amnesty International warned that the persistent violence, particularly attacks targeting opposition political parties and their activities, undermines the constitutional rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly.
It stressed that no Nigerian should be killed or injured for exercising the right to associate freely, participate in political activities or attend peaceful gatherings.
The organisation cautioned that the growing pattern of violence and intimidation against opposition parties and their supporters was creating an increasingly hostile environment for democratic participation.
It urged the authorities to take urgent and effective measures to protect political gatherings, prevent further attacks and guarantee the safety of citizens exercising their fundamental rights.
