The Delta State Government has ordered security agencies to investigate a clash involving suspected supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.
The directive was issued on Friday following the circulation of a video showing the reported confrontation during an NDC campaign procession in the area.
According to the state government, it was concerned about the incident and warned that political disagreements must not be allowed to result in violence or intimidation.
The clash reportedly occurred during an NDC mobilisation exercise tagged the “1,000,000-Man March for NDC Candidates, 5-over-5.”
Dr Obiuwevbi Ominimini, the NDC House of Representatives candidate for Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency, subsequently accused Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the APC of mobilising thugs to attack members of the party.
“We hold Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the APC responsible for mobilising thugs to attack our members during the peaceful 1,000,000-Man March in Effurun,” Ominimini alleged.
In reaction, the Delta State Government, has ordered an investigation to determine what happened and identify anyone responsible.
The state Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said Governor Oborevwori had directed the security agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly and prosecute anyone found to have participated in the violence.
“Governor Oborevwori has directed the security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure that whoever is found to have participated in the act is made to face the full weight of the law,” Aniagwu said.
The commissioner said the government would not tolerate political violence irrespective of the party or individuals involved. He also stressed that political parties must be allowed to conduct their activities peacefully across the state.
According to Aniagwu, every political party, candidate and supporter has the right to campaign anywhere in Delta State without harassment or obstruction, provided such activities are carried out peacefully and within the law.
He said political campaigns should not become an avenue for supporters of rival parties to engage in physical confrontation, adding that political differences should not threaten the safety of residents.
“Political affiliation is not a shield against the law. If anybody commits an offence, the law should take its course. We cannot preach peace and at the same time tolerate people who undermine it,” Aniagwu stated.
The commissioner also called on political leaders, candidates, youths and community leaders to take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters as campaign activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged security agencies to remain vigilant and ensure that political parties receive equal protection during campaign activities, stressing that citizens must be able to participate in political activities without fear.
“No political ambition or party interest is worth the life of any Deltan,” Aniagwu said, urging political actors to “compete through ideas, programmes and records rather than violence.”
The latest development also comes ahead of Saturday’s Udu State Constituency bye-election, for which the Delta State Government has imposed a movement restriction in Udu Local Government Area from 6am to 6pm.
