The recent peace meeting convened by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Alimosho, Lagos, aimed at resolving tensions surrounding the House of Representatives primaries, descended into chaos, leaving the State Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Abiola Afolabi, hospitalized with serious machete injuries. This incident highlights the deepening factional rifts within the APC, exacerbated by competition for party nominations ahead of the 2026 elections.
Political thuggery has increasingly marred Nigeria's electoral processes, raising concerns about the safety of candidates and party officials. Witnesses reported that armed assailants disrupted the meeting, which was intended to foster unity among party members. Afolabi, in a statement from his hospital bed, said, "This violence is a reflection of the desperation for power that plagues our politics. We must do better."
As the elections approach, the APC faces a critical test: can it restore internal cohesion and project a united front to voters? The party's response to this incident will likely have implications not only for its primaries but also for public trust in the electoral process and governance in Nigeria. The escalating violence underscores the urgent need for comprehensive electoral reforms and security measures.