In what could have been a tragic twist to Nigeria’s already tense political season, Jude Ezenwafor — the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the upcoming Anambra State governorship election — narrowly escaped death after being shot at in Abuja.
The incident, which occurred near the bustling Wuse 2 area of the Federal Capital Territory, has sparked concern across political circles and beyond. Ezenwafor, who had reportedly just left a political engagement, came under fire from unknown gunmen. Details remain sketchy, but sources close to the politician say he survived the attack and is receiving medical attention.
For many Nigerians, the news is unsettling but not entirely surprising. With elections just months away — scheduled for November 25 — the political atmosphere is heating up. Violence, sadly, is no stranger to electoral contests in parts of the country. What makes this case stand out, however, is the audacity of the attack: an attempted assassination right in the heart of Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed that it is actively investigating the incident. Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, stated that while the command is still gathering facts, the public’s help is crucial.
“The police command has yet to conclude investigations as to the true position and situation surrounding the incident,” Adeh said in a statement released on Monday. “While investigation is currently at top gear, individuals or persons with relevant information are advised to come forward and report to the nearest police station. Your cooperation will greatly assist our investigation and help ensure justice is served.”
Though motives remain unclear, the timing of the attack raises several questions. Could it be politically motivated? Is this a warning shot ahead of a high-stakes election? Or is it simply another case of rising insecurity in the country?
Security analysts point to a growing trend of politically linked violence as Nigeria edges closer to key elections. “There’s always the fear that aspirants who pose a threat to entrenched interests might be targeted,” said a retired senior security officer who spoke on condition of anonymity. “This is why security around candidates must be taken seriously.”
Ezenwafor himself has kept a relatively low profile compared to more prominent names in Anambra politics. But that doesn’t mean he lacks influence. As a former aide to late political heavyweight Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu and a long-time grassroots organiser, his emergence as PDP’s flagbearer signalled the party’s desire to field a candidate with deep local ties and insider experience.
Now, with the attack still fresh and no arrests made, the pressure is on the police to deliver answers — and fast. Civil society groups and election observers have already begun calling for an independent review of the security risks faced by candidates nationwide.
For many voters, the incident is a grim reminder of how high the stakes can be — not just for those seeking office, but for the fragile democratic process itself. As the campaign season intensifies, so too must efforts to ensure safety, transparency and justice.
Ezenwafor’s survival is a relief. But it also serves as a wake-up call. Nigerian democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere where bullets compete with ballots.
