Delta govt, APC condemn attack on NDC, urge independent investigation

The Delta State Government, All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Delta Campaign Council on Sunday condemned the fatal political violence that erupted on Saturday during the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) road rally in Asaba.

This is contained in a statement by Charles Aniagwu, State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information/ Media Committee Chairman of the APC in Asaba.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the NDC one-million-man rally in Asaba on Saturday claimed one life with many others sustaining serious injuries from attacks by unknown political thugs.

The rally, organised by NDC supporters, was disrupted by suspected political thugs, leaving several participants injured and destroying more than 30 vehicles, including campaign buses and tricycles.

NAN reports that no fewer than 10 party members and supporters sustained injuries, with some reportedly rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

Victor Ochei, NDC Delta North Senatorial Candidate, condemned the attack and called on the Delta State Government and security agencies to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.

According to Mr Ochei, the rally was conceived as a one-million-man march to demonstrate the growing popularity of the NDC and its readiness to participate in the 2027 general elections.

Responding to the NDC attack, Mr Aniagwu described the incident as unacceptable, warning political parties and their supporters against actions capable of threatening public peace and security.

The commissioner said the state government, under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s watch, has zero tolerance for political violence, intimidation and other forms of political radicalism.

He said the government had repeatedly cautioned political parties against engaging in activities capable of disrupting the peace, stressing that the unfortunate incident could have been avoided if the organisers had heeded security advice.

He explained that the police had advised the organisers to shelve the proposed street march and instead, hold their campaign at a designated venue where adequate security arrangements could be provided.

The government expressed concern that the advice was ignored, resulting in a confrontation that claimed a life and left several others injured.

APC campaign council ‘deeply saddened’

Mr Aniagwu said the APC campaign council was deeply saddened by reports of loss of life, injuries and destruction of property arising from the unfortunate incident.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the deceased, those injured and everyone affected by this regrettable development.

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“No political ambition or disagreement is worth the life of any citizen, and no political contest should ever degenerate into violence.

“As a council, we demand an impartial investigation into the unfortunate development even as we insist that political disagreements must not degenerate to any form of intimidation, violence or destruction of property.

“It is important to reiterate that, from the very outset of our political mobilisation, particularly at the inauguration of the Delta APC campaign council, our leadership made an unequivocal commitment to peaceful, responsible and issue-based campaigns.

“That commitment remains unwavering. Our campaign philosophy is anchored on presenting our achievements, programmes, vision and policy alternatives to the good people of Delta, and we have no intention of deviating from that path,” he said.

He urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that everyone found responsible is brought to justice.

He also urged political parties, their leaders and supporters to conduct their activities within the bounds of the law and demonstrate respect for human life, public order and the rights of others.