Nigerians React as Anambra PDP Gov Candidate Narrowly Escapes Assassination Plot in Abuja

• PDP governorship candidate, Chief Jude Ezenwafor, was shot by unknown gunmen in Abuja’s Wuse 2 area while returning from an outing on Friday night, July 18
• Ezenwafor, now hospitalised with multiple gunshot wounds, described the attack as a near-death experience and is undergoing surgery to remove bullets
• Police have launched an investigation into the incident, which has sparked concern over political violence ahead of the 2025 Anambra governorship election

FCT, Abuja - There was panic in Abuja on Friday night, July 18, after Chief Jude Ezenwafor, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2025 Anambra State election, was shot by unknown gunmen.

The attack occurred around the Wuse 2 area of the Federal Capital Territory as Ezenwafor was returning home from a private engagement.

He was swiftly taken to an undisclosed hospital, where he is now receiving treatment.

Ezenwafor describes incident as near-death experience

Speaking from his hospital bed early Saturday morning, July 19, the visibly shaken politician recalled the terrifying moment he came under fire.

“I’m currently in the hospital. The doctors are making efforts to operate me so that they can pull out bullets from my body,” Ezenwafor said in a weak voice, struggling to speak.

According to his media team, he sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to the emergency unit by bystanders who responded quickly after the shooting.

Police begin investigation

While no official statement has been released by security agencies, a source within the PDP campaign confirmed that the attack had been reported to the police, who have commenced investigations.

The source added that the party was concerned about the safety of its members ahead of the Anambra election.

Recent political activity draws attention

Ezenwafor, who previously ran as a presidential aspirant under the Labour Party before returning to the PDP, was recently endorsed as the party’s flagbearer for the November governorship election in Anambra.

The shooting has raised concerns over political violence and security in the lead-up to the polls, with supporters and party officials calling for swift justice.

Nigerians react to shooting of Anambra politician

Reacting to this development, Nigerians have taken to their x handles to react.

@pleasurestack said:

"Nigeria’s political arena is a battlefield literally. When bullets start replacing ballots, democracy loses. My timeline’s built for thinkers like this."

@kinnsokoye said:

"Our parent use to tell use that these politicians dey use juju, we even believed that year."

@FairyTale424 said:

"Election in the East no be child play oh. You gats hold body."

@ChimdikeOkoli said:

"He was shot in Abuja fools not Anambra. I forgot Abuja is now Igbo land. Make you dey get sense, some was shot in nations Capital all the while he is in Anambra was shot Fools."

@ECHOES__AFRICA said:

"Wow, that's really shocking news! I hope he’s okay and gets the help he needs. Politics can get super intense, but violence should never be part of it. Let’s keep an eye on this story and see how it unfolds. Thanks for sharing!"

Senator Usman escapes assassination

Previously, Legit.ng reported that Kaduna Central senator, Lawal Usman, reportedly escaped an assassination attempt on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, while visiting his constituency for the New Year celebration.

The incident occurred in the Kawu area of Kaduna North Local Government, where the senator, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was allegedly attacked by assailants.

Source: Legit.ng