Violent attacks on opposition campaign activities in Delta and Kebbi states on Saturday have left one person dead, five injured and dozens of vehicles damaged, intensifying political tension ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election. Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo‑Agege, the Delta State government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have exchanged accusations over who was responsible for the assaults.
In Asaba, Delta State, police confirmed that a fatality and five injuries occurred at about 12:15 p.m. on Nnebisi Road when a procession supporting the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) was attacked. NDC officials, however, claim that more than ten supporters were wounded and that over thirty vehicles—including campaign buses and tricycles—were smashed.
Omo‑Agege, who is contesting the Delta Central senatorial seat on the NDC platform, alleged that elements within the Delta State government and the APC sponsored the armed thugs. He specifically named the Oshimili South Keke Task Force and Revenue Collector Uche Ndu‑Okafor as organisers of the assault. In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications, Godwin Anaughe, Omo‑Agege said:
“Thousands of ordinary residents of Delta on Saturday came out to walk peacefully and campaign for the NDC… 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 demanded that police identify the deceased, determine how he died and prosecute anyone who organised or sponsored the attack. He also called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector‑General of Police and the Director‑General of the Department of State Services to intervene, stressing that “political competition must not become an excuse for violence and intimidation.”
In Kebbi State, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) threatened legal action after suspected attackers assaulted its members, damaged vehicles and disrupted campaign activities during the November 5 visit of its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. The ADC said the incident hampered its campaign and signalled a pattern of intimidation against opposition parties.
The Delta State APC Campaign Council rejected Omo‑Agege’s accusations, condemned the violence and called for an impartial investigation, stating that the party had no involvement in the attacks. The Delta State Police Command said investigations are ongoing and that the identities of the deceased and injured persons have not yet been established.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
