Jude Ezenwafor, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the upcoming Anambra State election, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Abuja on Friday night.
According to SaharaReporters, Ezenwafor was ambushed and shot multiple times in the legs while returning from a private engagement in the Wuse 2 area of the Federal Capital Territory. He is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Abuja. Two other individuals who were with him in the vehicle were also injured and are undergoing medical care.
The motive for the attack remains unclear. No group has claimed responsibility, and as of the time of filing this report, the identities of the gunmen remain unknown. Security agencies are said to be investigating, although no arrests have been confirmed. Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, Josephine Adeh, were unsuccessful.
Ezenwafor, a notable real estate developer, had earlier emerged unopposed as the PDP candidate for the November 8, 2025, election following internal party negotiations and reconciliation efforts.
In a statement released on Sunday by PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the party condemned the attack, describing it as a politically motivated attempt by desperate forces threatened by Ezenwafor’s rising popularity.
“This violent assault is a clear sign that certain elements are deeply unsettled by the growing acceptance of our candidate across Anambra State,” the statement read.
The PDP further alleged that intelligence reports indicate additional plans to discredit Ezenwafor through coordinated smear campaigns after the failed assassination plot.
“These plots are orchestrated by anti-democratic forces who are determined to sabotage the 2025 Anambra governorship election,” the party warned.
The PDP also pointed fingers at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of presiding over a nation plagued by rising insecurity and lawlessness.
“This incident reflects the alarming breakdown of security under the rudderless, corrupt APC administration,” it stated.
Despite the incident, the PDP reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring Ezenwafor contests the election, declaring that the attack would neither intimidate the party nor derail its plans.
The party called on the Inspector General of Police to launch a thorough investigation, arrest the perpetrators and their sponsors, and guarantee the safety of Ezenwafor and all candidates participating in the upcoming election.
