Senior APC members were attacked and injured by unidentified assailants at polling stations in Somolu, Lagos State, during the party’s primary election on Saturday.
The violence broke out in Ward A and Ward B polling centres, where several former party officials were present. Those injured include former Ward D APC chairman Ajibade Ajayi, former Ward B chairmen Primate Abraham and Samuel Oluyida, and former Somolu Local Government APC chairman Yomi Olubamide.
Somolu Local Government Chairman Abdulateef Asimi condemned the incident, describing it as “unacceptable” and promising cooperation with security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible. He reiterated that Somolu remains a peaceful area and that earlier efforts had been made to sensitize party members on the need for calm during the primaries. “It is saddening to witness such an ugly development. We are on top of the situation and will do everything humanly possible to ensure peace and stability across all wards,” Asimi said.
A police officer on the scene, who asked to remain anonymous, confirmed that order had been restored and normal activities resumed.
Eyewitnesses recounted the sudden breach of the polling units. Tunde Adeyemi said the attackers stormed the venues, targeting party leaders and supporters, which caused panic among participants. Another observer, Bamidele Onabamiro, condemned the violence and urged party members to embrace peace and political tolerance. She stressed that such incidents threaten the credibility of the electoral process and called on security forces to strengthen surveillance and protection for future political activities in the area.
The incident adds to concerns about intra‑party violence ahead of national elections, prompting calls for tighter security measures at electoral events across Nigeria. Authorities in Lagos State have pledged to investigate the Somolu attack thoroughly and to prevent a recurrence.
