The Delta State Government has directed security agencies to investigate a clash involving suspected supporters of the All Progressives Congress and the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.
The directive followed the emergence of a video on Friday purportedly showing a confrontation during a campaign procession organised by the NDC in the area.
The state government said it was concerned by the incident and cautioned political actors against allowing disagreements to escalate into violence, harassment or intimidation.
The reported confrontation took place during an NDC mobilisation programme tagged the “1,000,000-Man March for NDC Candidates, 5-over-5.”
Following the incident, Dr Obiuwevbi Ominimini, the NDC candidate for Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, accused Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the APC of allegedly mobilising thugs against members of his 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 response to the allegation, the Delta State Government ordered a probe to establish the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and determine those responsible for any acts of violence.
The state Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said Governor Oborevwori had instructed security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation and prosecute anyone found culpable.
“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.
Aniagwu said the state government would not condone political violence, regardless of the party or individuals involved. He added that political parties should be permitted to carry out lawful activities peacefully throughout the state.
According to the commissioner, political parties, candidates and their supporters are entitled to campaign in any part of Delta State without harassment or obstruction, provided they operate peacefully and within the provisions of the law.
He warned against turning campaign activities into confrontations between supporters of opposing political parties, noting that political disagreements should not endanger residents or disrupt public peace.
“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 further urged political leaders, candidates, youths and community leaders to be accountable for the conduct of their supporters as campaign activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He also called on security agencies to maintain vigilance and provide equal protection to political parties during campaign activities, stressing that citizens should be able to participate in political processes without fear of intimidation or violence.
“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 development comes ahead of Saturday’s Udu State Constituency bye-election, with the Delta State Government imposing a movement restriction in Udu Local Government Area between 6am and 6pm.
