The Delta State Government has condemned the political violence that erupted during a Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)-related procession in Asaba, which left one person dead and several others injured, calling for a thorough investigation and prosecution of anyone found responsible.
The government described the incident as unacceptable, warning political parties, their leaders and supporters against violence, intimidation and activities capable of undermining public peace and democratic participation.
In a statement issued on Sunday, November 8, 2026, by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, the state government said the incident could have been avoided if the organisers had followed police advice to shelve the proposed street march and conduct their campaign at a designated venue.
The government’s account put the number of seriously injured persons at four, while the Delta State Police Command had earlier reported five injured victims. Both accounts confirmed that one person lost his life during the incident.
The violence occurred on Saturday, November 7, along Nnebisi Road in Asaba during a procession organised by the Obidient/OK Movement in support of the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
In its earlier statement, the Delta State Police Command said it had received intelligence indicating the possibility of violence ahead of the procession and consequently invited the organisers to a security meeting.
According to the police, the organisers were briefed about the identified security threats and advised against conducting an open-road procession. They were instead encouraged to hold their political activities at a designated venue where adequate security arrangements could be provided.
The command alleged that the organisers proceeded with the road procession despite the advice.
Police said the incident occurred at approximately 12:15 p.m., leaving one person dead and five others injured. Operatives reportedly responded to a distress call, evacuated the injured victims to hospital and reinforced security in the area.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, condemned the violence and announced that a full-scale investigation had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.
Reacting to the development, the Delta State Government reiterated its zero tolerance for politically motivated attacks, stressing that political disagreements must never result in the loss of lives, injuries or destruction of property.
Aniagwu called on the police to conduct a comprehensive investigation and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice, irrespective of political affiliation.
The government also urged political parties, their leaders and supporters to respect human life, uphold the rule of law and ensure that their political activities do not threaten the safety and security of residents.
The incident has generated reactions from political leaders and stakeholders across the state.
Former Anambra State Governor and NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, had earlier condemned reports of attacks on NDC members, coordinators and Obidient Movement supporters in Delta State.
Describing the violence as disturbing, Obi insisted that political authority should be secured through persuasion and public trust rather than intimidation, physical attacks or destruction of property.
He called on the government and security agencies to investigate the attacks, identify those responsible and ensure that they face justice, regardless of their political affiliations.
“We will not be intimidated or silenced, nor will we relinquish our democratic space to violence. Our response will remain peaceful, lawful, and determined,” Obi declared.
He also maintained that no political party or individual had exclusive ownership of Nigeria’s democratic space, stressing that every citizen was entitled to organise, assemble, express political opinions and freely choose their leaders.
Meanwhile, the Delta State chapter of the NDC alleged that armed hoodlums attacked its supporters during what the party described as a peaceful mobilisation exercise. The party also claimed that several campaign vehicles were vandalised and some supporters sustained injuries.
The allegations have not been established by an independent investigation.
Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege also condemned the incident, accusing suspected government-linked political actors of involvement in the attack. The Delta State Government has maintained that the organisers disregarded police security advice, while the APC has rejected allegations linking its members to the violence.
The competing accounts and accusations have made an impartial investigation particularly important to establish what happened, identify those involved and determine individual responsibility.
The latest incident has renewed concerns about political tolerance and the protection of opposition supporters as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While the police have commenced investigations, the state government’s call for prosecution places further attention on the need for a transparent process that establishes the facts without political interference.
For residents of Delta State, the immediate concerns remain the death of a citizen, the recovery of those injured and the assurance that political gatherings can take place without exposing participants and bystanders to violence.
Political parties have the right to organise lawful campaigns and public gatherings, while security agencies have a responsibility to protect lives and maintain public order. Any breach of the law must be addressed through a fair investigation and due process.
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