Violence Rocks Lagos APC Primary as Supporter Shot Dead, Others Injured in Chaos
By Wellington Jopelo
A violent clash at the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election in Lagos has left a supporter dead and several others injured after gunshots reportedly rang out during the exercise in the Ikotun-Egbe area of the state.
The incident occurred on Saturday, May 17, 2026, at a primary school venue in the Ile-Iwe area, where party members had gathered to elect candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections. The process was initially peaceful before a heated disagreement broke out among rival supporters, triggering panic and chaos that disrupted the voting exercise.
According to eyewitness accounts, the argument quickly escalated into violence, forcing delegates and voters to flee for safety as gunshots were heard within the venue. A yet-to-be-identified man was struck during the chaos and later confirmed dead while being rushed for medical attention, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The crisis reportedly spread rapidly across the polling area, with supporters running in different directions as confusion engulfed the venue. Residents said the atmosphere turned tense within minutes, forcing security personnel and party officials to struggle to restore order as the situation deteriorated.
It was gathered that the primary had been proceeding without incident until tensions rose between groups backing different aspirants, leading to a confrontation that spiralled out of control. The sudden outbreak of violence disrupted the electoral process entirely, leaving the venue in disarray.
Local sources confirmed that the injured victims were evacuated from the scene, while the deceased was moved away after efforts to save his life failed. The incident has since heightened concerns over recurring violence during political party primaries in Lagos.
Security operatives were later drafted to the area to restore calm, as investigations were expected to begin into the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the identity of those involved.
The APC primary was part of nationwide exercises by the party to select candidates for various constituencies ahead of the upcoming general elections, but the violence has once again raised questions about security during internal party contests.