One Killed, Several Injured as Political Violence Rocks Delta, Kebbi Ahead of 2027 Elections

Political tension has intensified in Delta and Kebbi states following separate incidents of alleged political violence involving opposition supporters, leaving at least one person dead, several others injured and dozens of vehicles damaged ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The incidents have triggered accusations and counter-accusations among political parties, with former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, accusing elements within the Delta State Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of sponsoring attacks on opposition supporters, while the ruling party has denied involvement and called for an impartial investigation.

In Kebbi State, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has threatened legal action against suspected political attackers following alleged assaults on its members and destruction of property during the November 5 campaign visit of its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

One Dead, Five Injured in Asaba Political Violence

The Delta State Police Command confirmed that one person was killed and five others sustained injuries when violence erupted along Nnebisi Road in Asaba on Saturday.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 12:15 p.m. during a campaign procession organized by supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), featuring the political message of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

While the police confirmed five injured persons, NDC officials claimed that more than 10 supporters were wounded and over 30 vehicles, including campaign buses and tricycles, were vandalized.

The police said investigations were ongoing to establish the identities of the deceased and injured persons and determine those responsible for the violence.

Omo-Agege, who is contesting the Delta Central Senatorial District seat on the NDC platform, alleged that the attack was orchestrated by political interests opposed to the growing influence of the party in the state.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications, Godwin Anaughe, Omo-Agege said the procession, organized by the Obidient/OK Movement, had proceeded peacefully for approximately 20 minutes before armed men allegedly attacked participants.

He claimed that thousands of residents had gathered peacefully to campaign for the NDC before suspected political thugs descended on them with dangerous weapons, destroying vehicles and injuring supporters.

The former Deputy Senate President specifically accused the Oshimili South Keke Task Force and Revenue Collector, Uche Ndu-Okafor, of allegedly organizing the attack on behalf of individuals within the Delta State Government and the APC.

However, the allegations of political sponsorship have not been established by the police, and no evidence confirming the alleged involvement of the individuals or groups was presented in the statements made available.

Omo-Agege 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 called on security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the death, identify those responsible and prosecute both the perpetrators and anyone found to have sponsored the attack.

Omo-Agege Alleges Previous Attacks on NDC Supporters

Omo-Agege further alleged that the Asaba incident was part of a pattern of attacks targeting NDC supporters across Delta State.

He recalled alleged incidents in Usiefrun, Uvwie, Warri and Effurun, claiming that opposition members had repeatedly faced intimidation and violence during political activities.

According to him, six supporters were injured during an alleged attack in Usiefrun, Ughelli South Local Government Area, on August 13.

He also claimed that more than 50 armed men invaded and destroyed a venue prepared for an NDC campaign meeting in Uvwie on August 21.

The former Deputy Senate President further alleged that over 100 supporters were injured during a One Million-Man March organized for the party’s governorship candidate, Chris Iyovwaye, in Warri and Effurun on September 18.

He also alleged that a suspect identified as Collins Ogumashe, popularly known as Black Moses, was apprehended by residents with an AK-47 rifle during the September incident and handed over to the police but was released the same day without charges.

The police have not confirmed this allegation.

Omo-Agege called on Delta State 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 maintained that political competition should not become an excuse for violence, intimidation or the destruction of property.

The NDC Delta North senatorial candidate, Victor Ochei, also condemned the Asaba attack and demanded a comprehensive investigation.

Delta APC Denies Involvement, Calls for Investigation

Meanwhile, the Delta State APC Campaign Council has rejected attempts to link the ruling party to the violence, insisting that its leadership remains committed to peaceful and issue-based political campaigns.

In a statement, the Chairman of the council’s Media Committee and Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads), Charles Aniagwu, condemned the incident and expressed sympathy with the family of the deceased and those injured.

Aniagwu maintained that no political ambition or disagreement was worth the life of any citizen, urging security agencies to conduct an impartial investigation.

He also stated that the Sheriff Oborevwori administration maintained zero tolerance for political violence.

However, he alleged that organizers of the procession had disregarded security advice to conduct their activities at a designated venue instead of embarking on a road march.

Similarly, the Secretary of the Delta APC Campaign Council’s Media and Publicity Committee, Tonye Timi, cautioned against premature accusations, insisting that responsibility should only be established through credible investigations.

He urged the police to identify those involved and ensure that anyone found culpable was prosecuted in accordance with the law, regardless of political affiliation or position.

Police Say Organizers Ignored Security Advice

Providing further details, the Delta State Police Command said the organizers of the procession had been warned against embarking on a road march following intelligence reports suggesting the possibility of violence.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, explained that the organizers were invited to a security meeting, where they were briefed about the potential threats and advised to hold their activities at a designated venue where adequate security could be provided.

According to the command, the organizers disregarded the advice, after which violence erupted along Nnebisi Road.

The Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, condemned the incident and urged political parties to liaise with security agencies before organizing public gatherings.

The command confirmed that investigations were continuing.

ADC Threatens Legal Action Over Attacks in Kebbi

In a separate development, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has threatened legal action following alleged attacks on its members and supporters during Atiku Abubakar’s campaign visit to Kebbi State on November 5.

The ADC Campaign Council accused suspected political thugs of assaulting party supporters, damaging vehicles, disrupting campaign activities and interfering with the party’s engagements with traditional institutions.

The council’s Director-General, Sani Tadurga, disclosed this during a press conference in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.

He alleged that approximately 20 vehicles belonging to party members and supporters were damaged during the incidents.

According to him, some supporters sustained machete cuts, while others were beaten with sticks. He also alleged that mobile phones and bags belonging to female supporters were forcibly taken.

Tadurga said the party had obtained video footage and other evidence that would be submitted to the appropriate authorities for investigation.

He insisted that the ADC would not retaliate against those allegedly responsible for the attacks.

The campaign council maintained that it was seeking justice through legal channels rather than encouraging violence or reprisals.

ADC Accuses Kebbi Government of Blocking Campaign Activities

Beyond the alleged physical attacks, the ADC accused the Kebbi State Government of frustrating its campaign activities by denying the party access to the Race Course and Haliru Abdu Stadium for its rally.

Tadurga also alleged that the government interfered 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 Atiku during his visit to the state.

The campaign council further alleged that stones were thrown at vehicles and supporters at the residence of the party’s governorship candidate, Abubakar Malami.

It also claimed that suspected political thugs were stationed around the Argungu residence of the party’s deputy governorship candidate, Musa Zagi.

According to Tadurga, security operatives intervened during the incident at Malami’s residence to prevent further escalation.

The ADC said it would petition relevant authorities over the alleged denial of campaign venues, conflicting permits and interference with access to traditional institutions.

The party also called on the police and other security agencies to explain the security arrangements made for Atiku’s convoy, supporters and journalists during the visit.

Tadurga disclosed that the party had video footage and other evidence identifying individuals allegedly involved in the incidents, which would be submitted to the appropriate authorities.

He also welcomed what he described as Amnesty International’s condemnation of the attacks following its review of video footage.

Despite the alleged disruptions, the ADC campaign council described Atiku’s visit as successful, claiming that residents turned out in large numbers to welcome the presidential candidate.

Political Violence Raises Concerns Ahead of 2027 Elections

The incidents in Delta and Kebbi have renewed concerns over the safety of political candidates, party supporters and campaign activities as preparations gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

With opposition parties demanding justice over alleged attacks and the Delta APC insisting that accusations must be supported by evidence, attention is now focused on the ability of security agencies to conduct credible investigations and hold those responsible accountable.

The developments have also reinforced calls for political parties to respect security arrangements, avoid confrontation and ensure that electoral competition does not degenerate into violence.

As political activities gather momentum, the handling of the incidents in both states could become an important test of the commitment of political actors and security agencies to protecting democratic participation and maintaining peace ahead of the 2027 elections.