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• Omo-Agege seeks probe, ADC threatens legal action, Delta govt, APC condemn attacks, deny involvement
From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri, Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja and Ola Muhammad, Birnin Kebbi
Political tension has heightened in Delta and Kebbi states following violent attacks on opposition campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general election, leaving one person dead, several others injured and scores of vehicles damaged, as former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, the Delta State Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) trade accusations over the incidents.
While Omo-Agege accused elements within the Delta State Government and the APC of sponsoring suspected political thugs who attacked supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during a campaign procession for Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso in Asaba on Saturday, the ruling party denied involvement, condemned the violence and demanded an impartial investigation.
In Kebbi, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) threatened legal action against suspected attackers who allegedly assaulted its members, damaged vehicles and disrupted campaign activities during the November 5 visit of its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
The Delta State Police Command confirmed that one person died and five others sustained injuries when violence erupted along Nnebisi Road, Asaba, at about 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, although NDC officials claimed that more than 10 supporters were injured and over 30 vehicles, including campaign buses and tricycles, were damaged.
The police said the identities of the deceased and injured persons had yet to be established, while investigations were underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify those responsible.
Omo-Agege, who is contesting the Delta Central senatorial seat on the NDC platform, alleged that the violence was orchestrated by political interests opposed to the growing popularity of the party in the state.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications, Godwin Anaughe, the former Deputy Senate President alleged that the procession, organised by the Obidient/OK Movement, had proceeded peacefully for about 20 minutes before armed thugs descended on participants.
“Thousands of ordinary residents of Delta on Saturday came out to walk peacefully and campaign for the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The residents, led by the Obidient/OK Movement, filled the streets, singing and carrying the message of Mr Peter Obi and Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso o≠≠f the NDC to the people.
“Suddenly, thugs, fully armed with dangerous weapons, descended on the unarmed campaigners. More than 30 vehicles were smashed, while over 10 of NDC members and supporters were left bleeding heavily.”
Omo-Agege specifically accused the Oshimili South Keke Task Force and Revenue Collector, Uche Ndu-Okafor, of allegedly organising the attack on behalf of elements within the Delta State Government and the APC.
The allegation has not been established by the police, and no evidence of the alleged sponsorship was presented in the statements made available.
The former Deputy Senate President identified some of the injured supporters as Favour Emerure, Delta State Coordinator of the Obidient/OK Movement; Akpovegho Noah; Ifeoma Enuagwuna; Clinton Ossai; Obiora Anaekwe; Emmanuel Ngene; and Ikechukwu Michael.
He demanded that the police establish the identity of the deceased, determine the circumstances of the death and prosecute both the perpetrators and anyone found to have sponsored the violence.
“One death is one too many. Whoever sent armed thugs into a peaceful march must answer for it.
“We demand the police to identify the deceased, tell us how he died, and prosecute everyone who organised and sponsored this attack.”
Omo-Agege alleged that the Asaba attack was the latest in a series of violent incidents targeting NDC supporters in Delta State, recalling previous disruptions of political activities in Usiefrun, Uvwie, Warri and Effurun.
According to him, six supporters were injured during an alleged attack at Usiefrun in Ughelli South Local Government Area on August 13, while more than 50 armed men reportedly invaded and destroyed a venue prepared for a campaign meeting in Uvwie on August 21.
He also claimed that over 100 supporters were injured during the September 18 One Million-Man March organised for the NDC governorship candidate, Chris Iyovwaye, in Warri and Effurun.
“On August 13, in Usiefrun, Ughelli South, armed men attacked our people who had simply gathered to receive us.
“On August 21, over 50 armed men stormed Uvwie and destroyed the venue we had prepared for a campaign meeting.
“Also, on September 18, in Warri and Effurun, our One Million-Man March for Deacon Chris Iyovwaye was ambushed at Angle Park, Uvwie junction, Ugborokoko, Jakpa Road, Urhuomarho.”
The former Deputy Senate President further alleged that a suspect identified as Collins Ogumashe, also known as Black Moses, was apprehended by residents with an AK-47 rifle during the September incident and handed over to the police but released the same day without charges.
The police have not confirmed the allegation.
Omo-Agege called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to ensure the protection of opposition supporters and urged President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to intervene.
He insisted that political competition must not become an excuse for violence and intimidation.
“We will not be intimidated. We will not be silenced. We will not hand Delta over to thugs. A New Nigeria is Possible. A Reset Delta Cannot Wait,” the statement added.
The NDC Delta North senatorial candidate, Victor Ochei, also condemned the attack and demanded a thorough investigation, saying the procession was intended to demonstrate the party’s support ahead of the elections.
However, the Delta State APC Campaign Council rejected attempts to link the ruling party to the violence, maintaining that its leadership had consistently committed itself to peaceful, responsible and issue-based campaigns.
In a statement yesterday, the Chairman of the council’s Media Committee and Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads), Charles Aniagwu, condemned the incident and expressed sympathy with the victims.
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“Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the deceased, those injured and everyone affected by this regrettable development.
“No political ambition or disagreement is worth the life of any citizen, and no political contest should ever degenerate into violence.
“As a council, we demand an impartial investigation into the unfortunate development even as we insist that political disagreements must not degenerate to any form of intimidation, violence or destruction of property.”
Aniagwu said the Oborevwori administration had zero tolerance for political violence and maintained that the organisers of the procession had disregarded security advice to conduct their activities at a designated venue rather than on public roads.
Similarly, Secretary of the Media and Publicity Committee of the Delta APC Campaign Council, Tonye Timi, cautioned against premature attribution of blame, insisting that investigations should establish the facts before individuals or political groups were held responsible.
“This is certainly not the time for speculation and the premature attribution of blame.
“The police should be allowed to conduct a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the incident, identify those involved and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“Accountability must be based on evidence and no one should enjoy protection from the law on account of political affiliation, position or influence,” he said.
Providing an account of the incident, the Delta State Police Command said organisers of the procession had been warned against embarking on a road march following intelligence reports indicating the likelihood of violence.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the organisers were invited to a security meeting, briefed on the threats and advised to hold their activities at a designated venue where adequate security could be provided.
According to the command, the advice was disregarded and violence subsequently erupted along Nnebisi Road, leaving one person dead and five others injured.
Commissioner of Police Samuel Erale condemned the incident and urged political parties to avoid road processions and liaise with security agencies before organising public gatherings.
The command said investigations were continuing.
Meanwhile, in Kebbi State, the ADC Campaign Council accused suspected political thugs of attacking its supporters during Atiku’s campaign visit, alleging that the incidents involved intimidation, destruction of property, obstruction of campaign activities and interference with traditional institutions.
Director-General of the council, Sani Tadurga, who addressed a press conference in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday, said the party had gathered video footage and other evidence for submission to the appropriate authorities.
He alleged that about 20 vehicles belonging to party members and supporters were damaged, while some members sustained machete cuts and others were beaten with sticks.
Tadurga also claimed that mobile phones and bags belonging to female supporters were forcibly taken during the incidents.
“We will not respond to violence with violence. We will respond through the law, the courts and the power of the people,” he declared.
The campaign director-general said the party had identified suspected perpetrators but would allow law enforcement agencies to investigate the allegations rather than resort to reprisals.
“We seek justice, not revenge. The party will not resort to vigilante action or public naming of suspects for now.
“The party has video footage and other evidence, and those allegedly involved have been identified. The evidence would be submitted to the appropriate authorities,” he said.
Beyond the alleged physical attacks, Tadurga accused the Kebbi State Government of denying the ADC access to the Race Course and Haliru Abdu Stadium for its rally and interfering with the party’s proposed visits to traditional rulers.
He claimed that authorities directed emirs to proceed on a three-day vacation to prevent them from receiving the ADC presidential candidate.
The council also alleged that stones were thrown at vehicles and supporters at the residence of the party’s governorship candidate, Abubakar Malami, while suspected thugs were stationed around the Argungu residence of the deputy governorship candidate, Musa Zagi.
According to Tadurga, security operatives intervened during the incident at Malami’s residence to prevent further escalation.
He said the party would petition relevant authorities over the alleged denial of campaign venues, conflicting permits and interference with access to traditional institutions, while drawing the attention of national and international democratic organisations to the incidents.
The ADC campaign council also demanded an explanation of the security arrangements made for Atiku’s convoy, party supporters and journalists during the visit, urging the police and other security agencies to remain impartial.
Tadurga said the party welcomed what he described as Amnesty International’s condemnation of the attacks after reviewing video footage.
Despite the alleged disruptions, he described Atiku’s visit as successful, saying residents turned out in large numbers to receive the presidential candidate.
The incidents in Delta and Kebbi have intensified demands for stronger security arrangements for political campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition parties insisting that those responsible for attacks on candidates and supporters must be identified and prosecuted, while the Delta APC maintains that accountability must be based on the outcome of impartial investigations.
