One Dead, Five Injured as Violence Rocks NDC Rally in Delta

One Dead, Five Injured as Violence Rocks NDC Rally in Delta
The political atmosphere in Delta State has come under tension following a violent attack on supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during a political rally in Asaba, which left one person dead and five others seriously injured.

The political atmosphere in Delta State has come under tension following a violent attack on supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during a political rally in Asaba, which left one person dead and five others seriously injured.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday, November 7, 2026, along the busy Nnebisi Road, has triggered accusations and counter-accusations between the opposition NDC and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), raising fresh concerns about the safety of political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Delta State Police Command confirmed the death and injuries, disclosing that it had commenced a full-scale investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the violence and identify those responsible.

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

According to the police, the Command had received intelligence indicating the possibility of violence before the rally and consequently invited the organisers to a security meeting.

Edafe explained that during the meeting, the organisers were briefed on the identified security threats and advised against embarking on an open-road procession.

However, the Command alleged that the organisers disregarded the security advice and proceeded with the road procession.

The police spokesperson said the violence erupted at approximately 12:15 p.m. along Nnebisi Road, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to five others, whose identities were yet to be established.

He disclosed that police operatives, upon receiving a distress call, immediately mobilised to the scene and evacuated the injured victims to hospital for medical attention.

Security deployment was subsequently reinforced in the affected area to prevent further breakdown of law and order, he added.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, condemned the violence, insisting that although political parties have the constitutional right to organise lawful campaigns and political activities, such exercises must not endanger public safety.

He urged political parties and their supporters to avoid road processions and always liaise with the police ahead of political gatherings to ensure adequate security arrangements.

The Commissioner assured residents that the investigation would be thorough and impartial, urging anyone with useful information to contact the Command through 09155570008 or 09155570007.

However, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and NDC senatorial candidate for Delta North, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, accused members of the ruling APC of being responsible for the attack, describing the incident as unacceptable and a dangerous threat to democratic participation.

Ochei, who addressed journalists at his campaign office in Asaba after the incident, accused the ruling party of allegedly resorting to political intimidation rather than engaging the opposition through issue-based campaigns.

He said it was unfortunate that a party seeking re-election would allegedly mobilise people to attack political opponents instead of presenting its achievements before the electorate.

“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.

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 said.

He, however, called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to rein in members of his party and prevent the state from descending into an atmosphere of political hostility and bloodshed.

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

Reacting to the accusations, the Delta State APC Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, dismissed Ochei’s claims, insisting that there was no evidence linking members of the ruling party to the violence.

Onojeghuo described the allegations as reckless and politically motivated, arguing that the NDC should address its internal disagreements rather than blaming the APC for its challenges.

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

“The NDC, as we know, is fractured. They have their own issues and infighting, particularly in Delta. It is not enough to make reckless allegation. The onus to prove is far more critical, and they know they have no proof,” he said.

The APC spokesman also recalled Governor Oborevwori’s position during the inauguration of the party’s campaign council, where he reportedly emphasised the need for peaceful, issue-based campaigns devoid of violence and confrontation with political opponents.

According to him, the APC remains committed to peaceful political engagement and expects other political parties to demonstrate similar responsibility.

He urged the NDC to put its house in order and embrace peaceful campaigns instead of making what he described as baseless allegations against the ruling party.