Gunmen stormed an opposition rally in Nigeria’s largest city Lagos and shot in the air, scattering supporters, authorities said on Monday.
Political violence poses a growing threat to Nigeria’s landmark elections due to take place next month, which should mark the first fully democratic civilian-to-civilian transition in Africa’s most populous country.
The Action Congress (AC) said the rally was held by its candidate for governor of Lagos state, Babatunde Fashola, and supporters of the ruling party armed with high-calibre weapons invaded the venue.
There were clashes between supporters of another opposition party and those of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in neighbouring Ogun state on Saturday.
The AC said both were fuelled by recent comments by President Olusegun Obasanjo that the elections were a “do-or-die” affair for the PDP. Lagos is controlled by the AC but the PDP has vowed to take it at the April vote.
“President Obasanjo has followed his incendiary language with unleashing his dogs of war on innocent people,” AC said in a statement.
Police said they had no details of casualties or arrests in the Lagos incident. “The venue was approved for AC but the rally was brought to an abrupt end because of the clashes,” Lagos police chief Emmanuel Adebayo told Reuters.
PUBLIC FEUD
Elections for state lawmakers and state governors are due to take place on April 14. Elections for the presidency and the national assembly take place on April 21.
Obasanjo, who cannot stand in the presidential election, has been engaged in a public feud with Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is also AC’s presidential candidate. Both men have accused the other of fraud.
Rigging and violence marred the last vote in 2003 and political tensions are running high because of uncertainty over candidate lists and other preparations for the elections. Last year, three state governorship hopefuls were assassinated.
About 15 people were injured and more than 20 vehicles smashed in Saturday’s clash between supporters of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and those of the PDP in Ogun state capital, Abeotuka.
Ogun, Obasanjo’s home state, is controlled by the PDP which is facing a tough challenge from the opposition.
At least 10 people have been killed this month in southern Rivers state in fighting by gangs jostling for political supremacy ahead of the polls.