Jude Ezenwafor, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the upcoming Anambra State election, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt after being shot by unidentified gunmen in Abuja. The attack occurred late Friday night around the Wuse 2 area, as Ezenwafor was returning home from an appointment. Two other individuals accompanying him were also shot during the incident.
Currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Abuja, Ezenwafor is awaiting surgery to have bullets removed from his body. Despite the severity of the attack, he described his experience as a near-death situation but expressed hope for recovery. His team and medical personnel are making efforts to stabilize him ahead of the operation.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing. The assassination attempt has heightened tensions ahead of the November 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, where Ezenwafor is a prominent candidate. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continues voter registration preparations in the state as political campaigns intensify.
Security concerns have been an increasing challenge in Anambra politics, with previous elections marked by violence and intimidation. Ezenwafor’s survival adds urgency to calls for enhanced protection of political actors and peaceful conduct during the electoral process.