Wave of Political Violence Sweeps Nigeria as APC Congresses Turn Deadly
At least 10 people were injured and 13 arrested as multiple violent incidents erupted during political gatherings across Nigeria, including an assassination attempt on a lawmaker during APC ward congresses.
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A series of violent attacks targeting political gatherings has left at least 10 people injured and prompted 13 arrests across multiple Nigerian states, as internal party congresses of the ruling All Progressives Congress descended into chaos.
The violence peaked in Delta State on Thursday when armed gunmen stormed an APC local government congress in Ovade, Oghara, forcing Rt. Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu to flee under heavy security. Her aides described the incident as a targeted assassination attempt, according to Vanguard News.
The attack in Ethiope West Local Government Area occurred as party members gathered for the congress. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire that scattered attendees and disrupted the electoral process. Security personnel quickly evacuated Ibori-Suenu from the venue as the situation deteriorated.
Multiple States Report Political Violence
In Ondo State, the police command announced the arrest of 13 suspects linked to deadly violence that erupted during APC ward congresses. The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the apprehensions following attacks that marred the party's internal electoral process, The Nation Newspaper reported.
The arrests came after security forces responded to reports of violence at multiple congress venues across the state. Authorities have not disclosed the identities of those detained or specified charges, but investigations remain ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the attacks.
"The command has apprehended 13 suspects linked to the attack and violence that occurred during the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) ward congress," police officials stated, according to The Nation Newspaper. The suspects are currently in custody as investigators work to establish their roles in the violence.
Community Attack in Ebonyi
Separately, at least 10 residents of Ndiche Umuomara village in Ndiagu Amagu, Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, sustained injuries when suspected political thugs attacked the community. The incident adds to growing concerns about politically motivated violence targeting civilians in rural areas.
The attack on the village occurred amid heightened political tensions in the region. Local sources indicated that the violence erupted suddenly, leaving residents scrambling for safety as the attackers descended on the community. The extent of injuries varies, with some victims requiring medical attention at local health facilities.
The Nation Newspaper confirmed that the injured residents were from a single village, suggesting a coordinated attack rather than random violence. Community leaders have called for increased security presence to prevent further incidents as political activities intensify across the state.
Pattern of Electoral Violence
The simultaneous outbreaks of violence across three states highlight persistent security challenges during Nigeria's political processes. Political analysts have long warned that internal party congresses often become flashpoints for violence as rival factions compete for control of party structures.
These incidents come as the APC conducts ward and local government congresses to elect party officials who will influence candidate selection for future elections. Control of party machinery at the grassroots level remains a contentious issue, frequently triggering confrontations between competing political camps.
Security agencies have increased deployments to political gathering venues, but the latest wave of attacks demonstrates the challenges of preventing violence when determined actors target democratic processes. The use of armed thugs and gunmen represents an escalation from previous patterns of disruption involving ballot box snatching and physical altercations.
Civil society organizations have called for stronger enforcement of electoral laws and prosecution of those who sponsor political violence. Human rights groups argue that impunity for political thuggery encourages repeated attacks and undermines democratic consolidation.
The APC leadership has not issued a comprehensive statement addressing the violence at its congresses across multiple states. Party officials face mounting pressure to ensure security at remaining congresses scheduled in other regions, as concerns grow that the violence could intensify as Nigeria approaches future electoral cycles.