In Lagos State, on Saturday, members of the African Democratic Congress were attacked while welcoming new defectors from the Labour Party during a defection ceremony in Alimosho Local Government Area, an incident that has raised concerns about political violence and the role of security agencies.
A chieftain of the ADC in Lagos, Olalekan Anjolaiya, condemned the incident and described it as an attack on democracy and the rights of citizens. The attack occurred when a large group of unidentified hoodlums stormed the first venue of the event at the Labour Party office in Idimu, disrupting the programme and forcing party members and officials to flee for safety. Some of the attackers were said to be armed with knives and canes, and several party members reportedly sustained injuries.
Despite the disruption, officials of both parties later moved the event to another location at the Eco Centre Event in Egbeda to continue the defection process. Leaders of the Labour Party in Alimosho recounted the incident and described the violence as unjustified and unnecessary.
Party officials also alleged that the police had earlier stopped plans for an open ceremony, citing lack of approval. According to them, they were informed that only the Commissioner of Police could authorise political gatherings. They further claimed that armed police officers later arrived at the second venue and sealed it off shortly after the attackers had left.
Reacting to the development, Anjolaiya faulted the alleged actions of the police, saying security agencies are meant to protect citizens and lawful political activities, not to hinder them. He accused the police in Lagos of repeatedly acting in a manner that suggests bias and recalled a similar incident involving supporters of the Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate in the state.
He stated that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of association and peaceful assembly, including the right of citizens to move from one political party to another. According to him, using violence or intimidation to block political choices threatens democratic growth and public order.
Anjolaiya warned that allowing such actions to continue could push the country towards a system where citizens are punished for exercising their political rights. He insisted that democracy can only function properly when political competition is free from fear, force and harassment, adding that party members would continue to defend their rights within the law.
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