Suspected All Progressive Congress political thugs attacked supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress during a campaign procession in Asaba the capital of Delta State on Saturday leaving one person dead and several others injured.
The incident happened around 12 15 in the afternoon along Nnebisi Road as members of the Obidient OK Movement marched in support of the party presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The procession started from the area of Summit Road and moved towards the Interbau Roundabout. Organisers described the event as a peaceful One Million Man March to mobilise support ahead of the 2027 general elections. Participants carried messages promoting the NDC candidates until the group was confronted by armed men.
The Delta State Police Command confirmed that one person died and five others sustained injuries. Police said they had received intelligence about possible violence before the rally and invited organisers to a security meeting. Officers advised against an open road procession and recommended the use of a designated venue with proper security cover.
The organisers went ahead with the street march anyway. After a distress call police teams moved to the scene evacuated the injured to hospital and began a full investigation. The identities of the dead and injured persons had not been confirmed in the initial police report.
Supporters of the NDC and the Obidient OK Movement alleged that the attackers were thugs loyal to the All Progressives Congress. Josiah Omenuwoma the Secretary of the Obidient Movement in Delta State said a man identified as Mr Okafor an operative of the Oshimili North local government task force led the group.
Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo Agege accused elements within the Delta State Government and the state APC of sponsoring the attack. He named the Oshimili South Keke Task Force and Revenue Collector Uche Ndu Okafor as the alleged organiser.
Omo Agege said more than 30 vehicles including campaign buses and tricycles were damaged and more than 10 supporters were injured. Among those listed as hurt were Favour Emerure the Delta State Coordinator of the Obidient OK Movement Akpovegho Noah Ifeoma Enuagwuna Clinton Ossai Obiora Anaekwe Emmanuel Ngene and Ikechukwu Michael. Some accounts said one of the injured was stabbed with daggers. Reports circulating after the incident claimed the person who died was among the attackers though this has not been officially confirmed.
The NDC described the event as a premeditated and unprovoked assault on its members during a lawful campaign activity. Party officials said the attack disrupted the procession and forced supporters to flee while vehicles were smashed.
The Delta State Government and the APC condemned the violence and denied any involvement. Commissioner for Works Rural Roads and Public Information Charles Aniagwu said the government under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori maintains zero tolerance for political violence intimidation or attacks.
He stated that the incident could have been avoided if organisers had followed police advice to hold the event at a secured venue instead of a street march. Both the government and the APC called for an independent and thorough police investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible. APC officials rejected claims linking party members to the attack and described some of the accusations as reckless.
This is not the first report of tension between the two parties in Delta State during the current campaign period. Earlier incidents in places such as Effurun and other communities have also involved allegations of attacks on campaign materials and supporters though the Asaba event is the first in the recent series confirmed to have resulted in a death.
Police have reinforced security in the affected area and continue their inquiry into the circumstances of the clash. Political parties have been advised to avoid open road processions and to coordinate with security agencies ahead of any future gatherings.
