Reactions have continued to trail the bloody rally organised by Obedient/OK movement in support of Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Asaba on Saturday.
Delta Obidient and OK Movement Coordinator, Favour Emerure alleged that suspected political thugs attacked members of the movement during the peaceful procession, leaving several participants injured and vehicles vandalized.
According to him, the rally was organised to demonstrate widespread support for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and provide an opportunity for supporters to express their political convictions peacefully.
The Delta State Police Command blamed the organisers for ignoring the warning signs. The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Bright Edafe, (SP) confirmed that one person was killed in the process and five persons badly wounded. Although, he did not disclose the identities of the casualties and the party they respectively belong.
“We have commenced a full-scale investigation into a violent incident involving supporters during a political rally organised by the Obedient/OK movement in support of the presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Asaba on Saturday, 7th November 2026, which resulted in the death of one person and injuries to five others.
“Prior to the rally, the Command received an intelligence report indicating the likelihood of violence and consequently invited the organisers to a security meeting. During the engagement, they were briefed on the identified security threats and advised against holding an open road procession.
They were further encouraged to conduct their political activities at a designated venue where appropriate security will be provided for them.
“However, the organisers ignored this important security advice and proceeded with the road procession.
“At about 1215hrs, a violent incident occurred along Nnebisi Road, Asaba, during which one person lost his life and five others sustained injuries. The identities of the victims are yet to be ascertained.
“Upon receiving a distress call, police operatives mobilised to the scene and took the injured victims to the hospital for medical attention.
“Security was subsequently reinforced in the affected area to forestall further breakdown of law and order, while investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.
But Senator Ovie Omo-Agege condemned what it described as an “animalistic attack” on supporters of the NDC, during the campaign walk.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications, Godwin Anaughe, said the attackers were acting for elements in the Delta state government and the Delta State APC, and that the attack was allegedly organised by the Oshimili South Keke Task Force/Revenue Collector.
The statement said that more than 30 vehicles were smashed and over 10 supporters were left bleeding, including the State Coordinator of the Obidient/OK Movement, Hon. Favour Emerure, Mr. Akpovegho Noah, Mrs. Ifeoma Enuagwuna, Clinton Ossai, Mr. Obiora Anaekwe, Emmanuel Ngene, and Ikechukwu Michael.
It further stated that the police have confirmed one death, which the office said was reportedly one of the attackers, and called on the police to identify the deceased, explain how he died, and prosecute those who organised the attack.
Omo-Agege accused Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of promising investigations and prosecutions after those incidents without any follow-through, arguing that the failure to act encouraged further violence.
On his part, the Commissioner of Police. Delta State Command, CP Samuel Erale, condemned the violence and advised all political parties and their supporters to avoid road processions in the interest of public safety and to liaise with the Police ahead of any political gatherings to facilitate adequate security arrangements.
Though he reiterated that political parties are free to conduct lawful campaigns and other political activities to the CP however, assured residents of Delta State of the Command’s commitment to a thorough and impartial investigation and urge anyone with useful information to contact the Command.
Meanwhile, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, (DSHA), and NDC flag bearer for the Delta North senatorial race, Hon Victor Ochei described the attack as “unacceptable.”
“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.”
Ochei further alleged that more than 30 campaign buses were destroyed in the process, calling on Governor Oborevwori to rein in APC members, warning that Delta should not be turned into a theatre of political violence, noting that “Delta State should not be turned into a theatre of bloodshed.”
Meanwhile, Delta State Government condemned the political violence, describing the incident as unacceptable, warning political parties and their supporters against actions capable of threatening public peace and security.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said government reiterated its zero tolerance for political violence, intimidation and other forms of political rascality.
Aniagwu 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.
Corroborating, Delta State APC Campaign Council strongly condemned the violence. Chairman of the Media Committee, Hon Charles Aniagwu, the Council said it is 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. No political ambition or disagreement is worth the life of any citizen, and no political contest should ever degenerate into violence,” the statement added.
“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.”
In a turning point, Asagba of Asaba, Asagba Epiphany Azinge has raised alarm over a certain letter titled, ‘A Royal Warning To Mr. Peter Obi and The Obedient Movement: Asaba Must Not Become A Theatre Of Political Violence.’
Following the circulation of the said letter which has gone viral, the Asagba through his Chief of Staff, Chief Philips Nwokolo completely disassociated himself from it.
In a rebuttal titled: ‘Royal Public Notice‘ The attention of the Palace of His Royal Majesty, the Asagba of Asaba has been drawn to a publication on a fake Palace letter headed paper purportedly addressing the Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress, His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi on the unfortunate incident that occurred in Asaba yesterday during NDC’s campaign rally.
“The Palace of His Royal Majesty, the Asagba of Asaba wishes to inform the general public that the said letter did not emanate from the throne and utterly condemns such malicious and despicable act which is believed to be the handiwork of political jobbers.
“His Royal Majesty had earlier granted a press conference where he made the position of the palace very clear. His Royal Majesty in his Press Conference, condemned the acts of political intolerance that occurred yesterday as he maintained that Asaba as the most peaceful capital city in Nigeria is against violence of any sort, be it political or otherwise.
“His Royal Majesty admonished politicians and political parties to respect the wishes of the people at all times while also advising political parties to seek adequate security protection before engaging in any rally or peace protest.”
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