The Lagos State Chairman of the Accord Party, Dele Oladeji, has accused security agencies of failing to adequately respond to alleged attacks and intimidation targeting opposition parties, warning that the trend could escalate political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Oladeji called on the Lagos State Government and the state police command to take urgent and decisive measures to prevent further attacks, particularly during political meetings and campaign activities.
He spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Friday, following Thursday’s attack on supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during a town hall meeting at Classic Event Place, Oregun, Ikeja. 
Describing the incident as disturbing, the Accord chairman said political violence, which had featured in some campaign activities, was taking a more dangerous turn, with alleged thugs now targeting opposition gatherings at designated event venues.
“It is quite unfortunate that we are experiencing this violence now. The 2027 campaigns have been characterised by pockets of violence. Many times, opposition parties have been targeted.
“It is taking on another dimension now; thugs are even going to meet opposition parties at their event venues,” he said.
Oladeji further alleged that opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had encountered repeated difficulties accessing venues for their political activities.
He claimed that some political gatherings had been disrupted after organisers were denied access to booked venues or had their access blocked at the last minute.
“We have seen a lot of this. Most times, the police don’t act,” he said.
He expressed concern that the alleged failure of security agencies to respond effectively to such incidents could embolden perpetrators and create an atmosphere of fear among political parties and their supporters.
Oladeji warned that allowing political violence to persist could undermine public safety, worsen insecurity and put the lives of residents and security personnel at risk.
He urged the state government and police command to ensure adequate security at political gatherings, investigate reported attacks and hold those responsible accountable.
The Accord chairman also stressed the need to guarantee a level playing field for all political parties, saying political actors must be allowed to organise meetings and pursue their electoral activities without intimidation or violence.
