The Delta State Police Command has confirmed that one person was killed and five others injured following a violent incident at a political rally organised by supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Asaba.
The incident occurred on Saturday, November 7, 2026, along Nnebisi Road, sparking political tension and allegations between the opposition NDC and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, confirmed the casualties, stating that the Command had launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the violence and apprehend those responsible.
Edafe disclosed that the rally was organised by the Obedient/OK Movement in support of the NDC presidential candidate.
According to him, the police had received intelligence suggesting a possible security threat ahead of the event and subsequently invited the organisers to a security meeting.
He said the organisers were briefed on the potential risks and advised against conducting an open-road procession. Instead, the police recommended that the gathering take place at a designated venue where adequate security could be provided.
However, Edafe alleged that the organisers disregarded the advice and proceeded with the procession.
He said violence broke out at approximately 12:15 p.m., leaving one person dead and five others injured, adding that the identities of the victims had yet to be established.
The police spokesperson further explained that officers responded to a distress call, rushed to the scene and evacuated the injured victims to hospital for treatment. Security deployment was also reinforced to prevent further violence.
The Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, condemned the incident, stressing that political parties have the constitutional right to organise campaigns and rallies but must ensure that such activities do not threaten public safety.
He urged political parties and their supporters to avoid unauthorised road processions and engage the police ahead of political gatherings to ensure adequate security arrangements.
Erale assured residents that the investigation would be thorough and impartial, urging members of the public with useful information to contact the Command through 09155570008 or 09155570007.
Reacting to the incident, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and NDC senatorial candidate for Delta North, Victor Ochei, accused members of the ruling APC of orchestrating the attack.
Ochei, who addressed journalists at his campaign office in Asaba, described the incident as unacceptable and a threat to democratic participation.
He alleged that the ruling party was resorting to intimidation instead of engaging political opponents through issue-based campaigns.
According to him, a party seeking re-election should focus on presenting its achievements to the electorate rather than allegedly using violence against opposition supporters.
“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,” he said.
The NDC candidate also called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to caution members of his party and prevent the state from descending into political hostility.
“Delta state should not be turned into a theatre of bloodshed,” he warned.
However, the APC dismissed Ochei’s allegations, describing them as reckless, politically motivated and unsupported by evidence.
The party’s Delta State Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, challenged the NDC candidate to provide evidence linking APC members to the attack.
Onojeghuo argued that the opposition party should address its internal disagreements rather than attributing its challenges to the ruling party.
“There is no proof by Ochei or any NDC claimant that APC persons were involved in any attack.The NDC, as we know, is fractured. They have their own issues and infighting, particularly in Delta. It is not enough to make reckless allegation. The onus to prove is far more critical, and they know they have no proof,” he said.
The APC spokesman also referred to Governor Oborevwori’s remarks during the inauguration of the party’s campaign council, where the governor reportedly called for peaceful, issue-based campaigns without violence or confrontation.
He maintained that the APC remained committed to peaceful political engagement and urged the NDC to demonstrate similar responsibility.
Onojeghuo further advised the opposition party to resolve its internal differences and refrain from making what he described as baseless allegations against the ruling party.
The incident has heightened concerns over political security in Delta State as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile, the police investigation is expected to establish the immediate cause of the violence and determine those responsible for the death and injuries.