Unraveling the Attempted Assassination of Anambra PDP Governorship Candidate Jude Ezenwafor
The political landscape of Anambra State was jolted on a Friday night in Abuja when Jude Ezenwafor, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the November 2025 election, became the target of an attempted assassination. Gunmen ambushed Ezenwafor near Wuse 2, leaving him with gunshot wounds in both legs. Two other individuals accompanying him also sustained injuries in the attack. The incident immediately sparked outrage and concern, prompting calls for a thorough investigation and raising questions about the safety of political figures in the lead-up to the election.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, responsible for the area where the attack occurred, launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this brazen act of violence. SP Josephine Adeh, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the ongoing investigation and appealed to the public for assistance. She emphasized the importance of cooperation in providing any relevant information that might shed light on the identities and motives of the assailants. The police urged anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward and report to the nearest police station, assuring them that their cooperation would be instrumental in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
As news of the attack spread, videos emerged on social media platforms, particularly within PDP Anambra governorship campaign forums, depicting the extent of Ezenwafor’s injuries. The graphic footage showed the politician receiving medical attention, highlighting the severity of the attack. While Ezenwafor expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal, his aide, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident but refrained from providing further details, indicating the sensitive nature of the situation.
Ezenwafor, who secured the PDP governorship nomination unopposed, was immediately transferred to a private hospital for treatment. Medical professionals at the hospital were reportedly preparing for surgery to remove the bullets lodged in his legs. The attack underscored the potential dangers faced by political figures, particularly during election seasons, and raised concerns about the security measures in place to protect them.
The attempted assassination of Ezenwafor drew widespread condemnation from various quarters, including political associates, support groups, and concerned citizens. Chinedu Nsofor, a senatorial hopeful in the upcoming Anambra South bye-election, expressed his condemnation of the incident and offered prayers for national peace and security. He called for divine intervention to protect leaders and candidates from acts of violence and expressed hope for a Nigeria characterized by safety, unity, and progress. The incident highlighted the need for a peaceful and secure environment for political participation and emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of violence and ensuring accountability for such acts.
The attempted assassination of Ezenwafor serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s political landscape. The incident underscores the need for strengthened security measures to protect political figures and ensure a safe environment for the exercise of democratic rights. As investigations continue, the focus remains on bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring that such acts of violence do not undermine the integrity of the electoral process. The incident also serves as a call for greater dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to address the underlying issues that contribute to political violence and promote a culture of peace and tolerance in the country. The upcoming elections in Anambra State will undoubtedly be held under a heightened sense of security awareness, with renewed calls for peaceful and credible polls.
