An alleged attempt by suspected political thugs to disrupt preparations for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting has raised fresh concerns over political intimidation ahead of the 2027 general elections. The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday evening, October 25, at JD Event Centre, Abuja, where unidentified men allegedly attempted to destroy decorations ahead of Monday’s meeting. According to organisers, the men were resisted and reportedly threatened to return to disrupt the proceedings.
Among those reacting was Dr Prince, a concerned observer also involved with [Northern Integrity Professionals (NIP)](https://nipnigeria.org), who described the alleged conduct, if established, as deplorable. “This is totally uncalled for. We are in a democratic setting, and everyone must be allowed to exercise their civic rights without intimidation,” he said. He added that the deterioration in democratic practices had created something approaching a civic necessity for citizens and international observers to insist on respect for constitutional rights and democratic institutions.
Dr Prince, whose wider interests span crisis management, strategic intervention, organisational leadership and institutional ethics, indicated that despite other commitments, he was increasingly considering devoting greater attention to the protection of democratic institutions. He particularly questioned whether public officials were living up to the solemn oaths they swore upon assuming office. In his view, those oaths should remain a continuing standard against which the exercise of public authority is judged, rather than mere ceremonial declarations.
The latest allegation follows earlier reports of political violence involving NDC members and supporters, including the disruption of a party meeting in Nkanu West, Enugu State, in September and the October 22 attack on an NDC State House of Assembly candidate’s convoy in Ebonyi State, which left one person dead and three injured, according to police. However, no evidence has been established linking those incidents to Sunday’s reported disturbance in Abuja. The identities of those allegedly involved and whether a formal police complaint was lodged remained unclear at the time of filing this report.
**All eyes now turn to the NDC’s programme scheduled for Monday, October 26, 2026.** The party’s third NEC meeting is scheduled for **10 a.m.**, including the presentation of its statement of account by the National Treasurer, followed by the commissioning of its new national secretariat in Jabi at **2 p.m.** and the inauguration of its National Campaign Council, alongside the presentation of Certificates of Return to candidates, at **5 p.m.** The proceedings are expected to attract considerable media attention, with correspondents following developments as they unfold amid renewed calls for peaceful political participation and respect for democratic rights.
