By George Omagbemi
Political tension erupted in Asaba, Delta State, on Saturday after suspected thugs disrupted a campaign gathering organised by supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), leaving some participants injured and a campaign vehicle damaged.
The incident reportedly occurred as party supporters gathered for a mobilisation exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Videos circulating on social media showed people fleeing as confusion broke out at the venue. A vehicle bearing campaign posters of Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, an NDC aspirant for the Delta North senatorial seat, was reportedly vandalised, with its rear windscreen smashed.
Some supporters were said to have sustained injuries, while others reportedly lost their mobile phones and personal belongings during the ensuing chaos.
In one of the videos, an unidentified speaker condemned the disruption, insisting that the gathering was intended to promote peaceful political activities.
“We came here to campaign in peace. We did not come to fight anybody. What happened today is not good for democracy,” the speaker said.
Other footage appeared to show an individual suspected of participating in the attack being beaten by an angry crowd before security operatives reportedly intervened.
However, the identities of the alleged attackers, their sponsors and their political affiliations had not been independently established as of the time of filing this report.
The police had also not issued an official statement confirming the number of casualties, arrests or the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The development has renewed concerns about the safety of political gatherings and the ability of opposition parties to mobilise supporters peacefully as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
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