One dead, five injured as violence disrupts NDC rally in Delta

One person has been killed and five others injured following a violent attack on supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during a political rally in Asaba, Delta State.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday, November 7, along Nnebisi Road, has sparked allegations between the opposition party and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Delta State Police Command confirmed the casualty figures, saying it had launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the violence.

The police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, said the rally was organised by the Obedient/OK Movement in support of the NDC presidential candidate.

Edafe disclosed that the command had received intelligence suggesting a possible outbreak of violence before the event and invited the organisers to a security meeting.

According to him, the organisers were briefed on the threats and advised against holding an open-road procession. The police recommended that the rally be conducted at a designated venue where adequate security could be provided.

However, he alleged that the organisers ignored the advice and proceeded with the procession.

The spokesperson said the violence broke out at about 12:15pm, leaving one person dead and five others injured, whose identities were yet to be established.

He added that police operatives responded to a distress call, evacuated the injured to hospital and reinforced security in the area to prevent further violence.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, condemned the incident, stressing that political parties had the constitutional right to organise campaigns but must not jeopardise public safety.

Eralе urged political parties and their supporters to avoid road processions and liaise with the police before organising gatherings.

He assured residents that the investigation would be thorough and impartial, urging anyone with relevant information to contact the command on 09155570008 or 09155570007.

Meanwhile, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and NDC senatorial candidate for Delta North, Victor Ochei, accused members of the APC of orchestrating the attack.

Speaking to journalists at his campaign office in Asaba, Ochei described the incident as unacceptable and a threat to democratic participation.

“I see no reason why the ruling party should descend so low as to mobilise people to attack the opposition. This is condemnable and unacceptable,” he said.

Ochei accused the ruling party of resorting to intimidation instead of presenting its achievements to voters.

“If you are doing well as a party, come out and tell the people what you have achieved to merit re-election instead of resorting to intimidation,” he added.

He called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to restrain members of his party, warning that the state must not be plunged into political violence.

“Delta State should not be turned into a theatre of bloodshed,” Ochei said.

However, the Delta APC Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, rejected the allegations, insisting that there was no evidence linking party members to the attack.

Onojeghuo described Ochei’s claims as reckless and politically motivated, urging the NDC to address its internal disputes.

“There is no proof by Ochei or any NDC claimant that APC persons were involved in any attack,” he said.

He added that the NDC was fractured by internal disagreements, particularly in Delta State, and argued that the opposition had failed to substantiate its claims.

The APC spokesman also cited Oborevwori’s position during the inauguration of the party’s campaign council, where the governor reportedly called for peaceful, issue-based campaigns without violence or confrontation.

Onojeghuo said the APC remained committed to peaceful political engagement and urged the NDC to put its house in order and avoid what he described as baseless allegations.