Thugs attack delta NDC rally, kill one, injure five

One person was killed and five others sustained injuries on Saturday after suspected political thugs attacked a rally organised by supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Asaba, Delta State.

The violence erupted along Nnebisi Road during a procession conducted by the Obi/Kwankwaso (OK) Movement in support of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident in a statement, disclosing that an investigation into the attack is ongoing.

Edafe stated that the command had received information about potential violence prior to the event and subsequently invited the organisers to a security briefing.

According to the police, the organisers were advised against holding an open road procession and were requested to use a designated venue for security coverage, but they proceeded with the march ignoring the directives.

Reacting to the incident, NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi condemned the assault on party members and coordinators, demanding that security agencies identify and prosecute the perpetrators regardless of political ties.

“Political violence has no place in a democracy and can never be justified. No political aspiration is worth the life of a Nigerian, and no dispute should be resolved through intimidation, physical attacks, or the destruction of property,” Obi stated in a post on X.

He added that the NDC and the Obidient Movement would not be intimidated or silenced, stressing that their response would remain peaceful and lawful.

Delta State Coordinator of the OK Movement, Favour Emerue, urged the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest both the attackers and their sponsors.

Emerue explained that armed hoodlums invaded the peaceful march with sticks, knives, and machetes, damaging several campaign vehicles and leaving multiple supporters hospitalized.

Meanwhile, the PDP leadership led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki also called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene against the rising tide of political violence and opposition intimidation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking after an expanded meeting of the PDP Interim National Working Committee in Abuja, Turaki warned that political intolerance could undermine democratic institutions.

He made reference to a Yiaga Africa survey showing that 61 per cent of Nigerians fear electoral violence could prevent them from voting, despite 84 per cent expressing willingness to participate in the polls.

The Delta clash comes amid an increase in political violence nationwide less than three months before the 2027 general elections. Reports from the CLEEN Foundation and civil rights watchdogs show that over 70 physical election-related attacks and 27 casualties were recorded across 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory in the first 10 months of 2026.

Recent incidents include an ambush on Peter Obi’s campaign convoy in Calabar, Cross River State, and an attack on African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate Atiku Abubakar’s convoy in Kebbi State.

Similar attacks occurred in Katsina State where ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) convoys were ambushed in Faskari and Malumfashi, while African Action Congress (AAC) candidate Omoyele Sowore was physically assaulted in Ado-Ekiti, leading to 11 arrests.

In Nasarawa State, clashes between APC members in Lafia left over 40 people injured during a major party gathering.