Attack on NDC Meeting: Obi Still Commands Strong Support Base, Doherty Tells Politicians

Funso Doherty, the Lagos State governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has warned political opponents not to underestimate Peter Obi’s influence, maintaining that the former Labour Party presidential candidate continues to enjoy considerable public support.

Doherty said the defiance shown by NDC supporters following an attack on the party’s town hall meeting in Lagos on Thursday demonstrated that the political enthusiasm generated by Obi during the 2023 presidential election had not faded.

He stated this while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today after suspected attackers disrupted the gathering at Classic Event Place, Oregun, Ikeja.

Addressing arguments that Obi’s departure from the Labour Party could affect his political standing, Doherty maintained that his appeal went beyond party membership and was connected to the political ideas he represents.

“The reception of Peter Obi today, that is how it is everywhere he goes. This is a man who is loved by the people. They view him as a different kind of politician, for good reason, and those of us who align with that philosophy and thinking,” he said.

The NDC governorship candidate urged those attempting to minimise Obi’s political significance to reconsider their position, warning that underestimating his support base could prove costly.

“Anybody who is making a contrary case, time will tell. But I would advise them that if they are saying that just to downplay his significance, I think it will be a grave mistake on their part because his support base is still strong. I have seen it, not just today, we have seen it multiple times,” he said.

Doherty further noted that the reaction of party supporters to the violence was a clear indication that the movement behind Obi remained vibrant.

He explained that the assailants may have anticipated that their arrival would cause panic and force attendees to abandon the meeting. However, the supporters stood their ground.

“Those guys came in today probably thinking they would have an easy ride of it. They would come in and do what they might normally do, scatter things and people would run away. But people were not in that frame of mind,” he stated.

He condemned the incident as “unprovoked” and “unnecessary,” while applauding those who resisted the attack and describing them as heroes.

Reports indicated that suspected political thugs invaded the event centre shortly before Obi’s arrival, allegedly wielding cutlasses, cudgels and stones.

The attackers reportedly destroyed property and damaged several vehicles parked at the premises, forcing a disruption of the programme before security operatives stepped in.

Despite the incident, the town hall meeting eventually went ahead, with Obi, Senator Victor Umeh, activist Aisha Yesufu and other party leaders participating.