Mr Dele Oladeji, Lagos State Chairman of the Accord Party, has urged the state government and police command to take decisive action against rising political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Oladeji said the attack on supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Oregun, Ikeja, on Thursday was a dangerous development capable of undermining the state’s security infrastructure.
He made the call in an interview with NAN on Friday in Lagos, while reacting to the attack on NDC supporters during their town hall meeting at Classic Event Place, Ikeja, on Thursday.
He described the incident as unfortunate, saying political violence, which had previously been experienced during campaign activities, was now assuming a more dangerous dimension.
“It is quite unfortunate that we are experiencing this violence now. The 2027 campaigns have been characterised by pockets of violence. Many times, opposition has been targeted.
“It is taking on another dimension now; thugs are even going to meet opposition parties at even their event venues,” he said.
Oladeji cited alleged instances where opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress, ADC, were denied access to venues for their political activities.
He said such incidents included venues being locked down or access being denied to opposition parties at the last minute.
“Or the location or the venue will be denied; they are denied access to the location at the very last minute.
”We have seen a lot of this. Most times, the police don’t act,” he said.
The Accord chairman warned that the failure of security agencies to address political violence could worsen insecurity and endanger both residents and security personnel.