The Delta State Government and APC have condemned the deadly attack on an NDC rally in Asaba that reportedly claimed one life and left several others injured, calling for an independent investigation.
The Delta State Government, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Delta Campaign Council have condemned the deadly political violence that disrupted the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) road rally in Asaba on Saturday, November 7, calling for an impartial investigation into the incident.
The attack, which reportedly claimed one life and left several others injured, occurred during a one-million-man march organised by NDC supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
More than 30 vehicles, including campaign buses and tricycles, were also reportedly destroyed during the incident, which was blamed on suspected political thugs.
The condemnation was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by Mr Charles Aniagwu, Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Chairman of the APC Media Committee.
Responding to the incident, Aniagwu described the attack as unacceptable and cautioned political parties and their supporters against actions capable of undermining public peace and security.
He said the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori maintained zero tolerance for political violence, intimidation and other forms of political extremism.
According to him, the state government had repeatedly advised political parties to conduct their activities peacefully, stressing that the incident could have been avoided if the organisers had followed security advice.
Aniagwu explained that the police had advised the NDC organisers to suspend the proposed street march and instead hold their campaign at a designated venue where adequate security arrangements could be made.
He expressed concern that the advice was allegedly ignored, resulting in a confrontation that led to the reported loss of life, injuries and destruction of property.
The commissioner said the APC Delta Campaign Council was deeply saddened by the incident and sympathised with the family of the deceased, those injured and others affected by the violence.
“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.
“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,” he said.
He reiterated that the APC’s campaign activities in Delta were guided by a commitment to peaceful, responsible and issue-based political engagement.
Aniagwu recalled that the party leadership made the commitment during the inauguration of the Delta APC Campaign Council, adding that the position remained unchanged.
He said the party’s campaign strategy was focused on presenting its achievements, programmes, vision and policy alternatives to the people of Delta State rather than engaging in political violence.
The commissioner urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice.
He also called on political parties, their leaders and supporters to operate within the law and respect human life, public order and the rights of other citizens.
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