The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial candidate for Delta North, Mr Victor Ochei, has urged Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to order a thorough investigation into the alleged attack on NDC supporters and the destruction of campaign buses in the state. Mr Ochei described the incident as condemnable and unacceptable. The incident occurred during a one-million-man march organised by the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement to mobilise support for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Mr Ochei, more than 30 campaign buses were destroyed by the attackers allegedly led by commercial tricycle operators. He expressed disappointment over what he described as an attempt by members of the ruling party to intimidate opposition supporters rather than engage them through issue-based campaigns. Mr Ochei called on Governor Oborevwori to call APC members to order and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
The Delta State Coordinator of the OK Movement and one of the organisers of the one-million-man march, Comrade Favour Emerue, said the group was supporting the NDC and its candidates in the 2027 elections. Comrade Emerue alleged that the march, which he described as peaceful and massive, was disrupted by suspected thugs who attacked participants, leaving some members injured and requiring medical attention.
Comrade Emerue condemned the incident, insisting that political campaigns should be based on issues and records of performance rather than violence and intimidation. He warned that Governor Oborevwori would be held responsible if any Delta resident lost their life as a result of political violence. Comrade Emerue also called on security agencies to investigate the incident and prosecute anyone found culpable.
Comrade Emerue disclosed that the organisers had notified the police about the planned march and held a meeting with the Commissioner of Police to discuss security arrangements. According to him, the police commissioner directed the organisers not to assemble at Inter-Bua Junction, a directive they said they complied with. The incident has raised concerns about the level of violence in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mr Ochei and Comrade Emerue are not the only ones speaking out against the incident. Other politicians and stakeholders have also condemned the violence and called for a peaceful and issue-based campaign. The incident has sparked a heated debate about the need for politicians to prioritize the safety and security of their supporters.
The call for an investigation into the incident is a key step towards addressing the rising concerns about political violence in Delta State. It remains to be seen how Governor Oborevwori will respond to the calls for an investigation and take steps to prevent such incidents in the future. One thing is certain, however, the 2027 general elections will be closely watched, and any further incidents of violence will be widely condemned.
Key points
- Mr Victor Ochei urges Governor Oborevwori to investigate alleged attack on NDC supporters and destruction of campaign buses.
- Comrade Favour Emerue condemns the incident and calls for issue-based campaigns.
- The incident raises concerns about the level of violence in Delta State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
