There was tension in Delta State on Saturday following alleged attacks on supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Obidient Movement, prompting condemnation from the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and a directive by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for security agencies to investigate incidents of political violence and prosecute those found culpable.
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The incidents, reported in Asaba and Effurun, involved suspected supporters of the NDC and the All Progressives Congress (APC), raising concerns over political intimidation, destruction of property and the safety of individuals participating in political activities.
An NDC coordinator, Engineer Thompson Omoneje, alleged that suspected political thugs believed to be loyal to the APC attacked supporters of Peter Obi while they were holding a peaceful rally in Asaba.
Omoneje said the attackers, who were dressed in black and arrived in commercial tricycles, popularly known as Keke, confronted the supporters and vandalised their vehicles.
He alleged that the assailants, believed to be linked to commercial tricycle operators in the COMATOA area of Asaba, suddenly accosted the occupants of a vehicle before launching the attack.
According to him, the attackers smashed the vehicle’s windscreen and damaged other parts of the vehicle.
Expressing concern over the incident, Omoneje warned against political intolerance and actions capable of threatening the safety of supporters of opposing political groups.
“The development underscores the need for political actors and their supporters to embrace peaceful engagement, respect opposing political views and refrain from actions capable of undermining public peace and democratic participation,” he stated.
Reacting to the reported attacks on NDC members, coordinators and the Obidient Movement in Delta State, Obi condemned the incidents, describing them as disturbing and insisting that political violence has no place in a democracy.
Moment those thügs were seen destr0ying vehicles belonging to NDC supporters during the party’s rally in Delta State today, as supporters reportedly retaliated following the alleged att@ck. https://t.co/XBmKILgXSc
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) November 7, 2026
The former governor maintained that no political ambition was worth the life of any Nigerian, warning against the use of thuggery, intimidation and destruction of property to gain political influence.
He called on the government and security agencies to immediately investigate the attacks, identify those responsible and ensure they were brought to justice, irrespective of their political affiliations.
Obi stressed that political authority should be secured through persuasion and the trust of the people rather than intimidation or violence.
He maintained that the NDC and the Obidient Movement would neither be intimidated nor silenced by the incidents, adding that their response would remain peaceful, lawful and determined.
The presidential candidate also expressed solidarity with those affected and called for a democratic environment in which every Nigerian could freely organise, express political views and participate in the democratic process without fear.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has directed security agencies to investigate a political clash involving suspected supporters of the NDC and APC in Effurun and prosecute anyone found culpable.
The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, disclosed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had directed security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
Aniagwu stressed that political rivalry must not be allowed to degenerate into thuggery, intimidation or violence.
He urged supporters of both the ruling and opposition parties to abide by the law, maintaining that political competition should not become a battle for physical supremacy.
The commissioner reiterated the state government’s zero-tolerance stance on political violence, regardless of the political parties or individuals involved.
According to him, political campaigns are not a licence for violence, while differences in political affiliation must never be allowed to threaten community peace or public safety.
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