Ruling party's campaign council denounces disruption of NDC town hall meeting in Lagos, raises alarm over reported violence in Edo, Cross River and Gombe.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has condemned the growing wave of violence targeting political gatherings across Nigeria, calling on security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible.

The council specifically condemned the disruption of a town hall meeting organised by supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Lagos on Friday, describing the incident as unacceptable and warning against actions capable of undermining peaceful political participation.

In a statement issued on Friday, the council's spokesperson, Dele Alake, expressed concern over reported attacks on political gatherings and supporters in Edo, Cross River and Gombe states, as well as other incidents involving political leaders and party members across different political platforms.

The APC campaign council said political violence had no place in a democratic society, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the January 16, 2027, presidential election.

It urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint, respect opposing views and refrain from actions that could trigger unnecessary tension, public disorder or a breakdown of law and order.

The statement read in part:

"We have observed the recent spate of violent attacks at political gatherings in parts of the country. The reported attacks in Edo, Cross River and Gombe, and other acts of violence targeting party supporters and political leaders across party lines are condemnable.

“Our campaign strongly condemns the disruption of today's scheduled town hall meeting of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Lagos.”

The council also challenged security agencies to strengthen their response to emerging threats and take proactive measures to prevent further attacks on political events.

It insisted that anyone found to have instigated or participated in political violence must be apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law.

Beyond calling for stronger security measures, the APC campaign council urged political parties and candidates to focus their campaigns on policies, governance and issues affecting the daily lives of Nigerians rather than resorting to intimidation or violence.

"Political parties and candidates are enjoined to campaign on issues that uplift the lives of Nigerians and not to instigate violence at political events," the statement added.

The latest condemnation comes amid growing concerns over the safety of political gatherings as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

With political activities expected to intensify in the coming months, the council's intervention highlights the need for security agencies and political stakeholders to protect the rights of Nigerians to participate freely in political activities without fear of intimidation or attacks.