A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Aisha Yesufu, has warned that the party and its supporters will not tolerate intimidation ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that they will be both “refined and rugged” in their political engagements.

Speaking at the NDC town hall meeting in Lagos on Thursday, Yesufu said the party would not allow anyone to intimidate its members, insisting that supporters would stand up against attacks.

“In 2023 we were refined, in 2027 we will be refined and rugged. Nobody has monopoly of madness and anybody wey say him dey crase we go send am go psychiatric hospital. We are not slaves, we are citizens. This campaign is not Peter Gregory Obi campaign, it is our campaign,” Yesufu said.

Her remarks followed an attack on NDC supporters ahead of the town hall meeting at the Classic Event Centre in the Oregun area of Lagos.

Suspected thugs reportedly stormed the venue around 11am, attacking supporters and disrupting preparations for the gathering. Some attendees fled for safety as the attackers reportedly wielded cutlasses, cudgels and other objects.

The incident left some supporters injured and vehicles damaged, while a journalist covering the event was also reportedly assaulted and had his recording equipment taken.

The confrontation later spilled onto Kudirat Abiola Way, disrupting traffic before police operatives arrived and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.

The town hall meeting was organised as part of the NDC’s mobilisation activities ahead of the 2027 elections, with the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, expected to attend. (Channels TV)