NDC candidate accuses Oborevwori, APC of plotting attack during Effurun rally

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency in Delta State, Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini, has accused Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of allegedly sponsoring thugs who attacked members of his party during a campaign procession in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.

The allegation followed an incident during the NDC’s campaign procession, tagged the “1,000,000-Man March for NDC Candidates, 5-over-5,” where party supporters were reportedly confronted by individuals described by the candidate as armed thugs.

Ominimini, speaking after the incident, alleged that the attackers disrupted what he described as a peaceful political mobilisation and assaulted NDC supporters.

According to the candidate, the confrontation was not an isolated act of violence but a deliberate attempt to intimidate members of the opposition party and discourage them from participating in its campaign activities ahead of the elections.

“We hold Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the APC responsible for mobilising thugs to attack our members during the peaceful 1,000,000-Man March in Effurun,” Ominimini alleged.

However, the claim of sponsorship by the governor and APC remains an allegation. No evidence establishing that either the governor or the party directly ordered, financed or coordinated the reported attack was provided in the statement.

Ominimini called on security agencies to investigate the incident, identify those involved and determine whether the attack was politically motivated.

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He described the reported assault as a threat to democratic participation, arguing that political parties and their supporters should be able to organise campaign activities without intimidation or violence.

The candidate also urged law enforcement authorities to examine the circumstances surrounding the confrontation, including the identities of the alleged attackers, the events that preceded the clash and whether any weapons were used.

A credible investigation could also establish whether the incident resulted from a confrontation between rival political groups, whether individuals acted independently or whether there was any organised coordination behind the violence.

NDC vows to continue campaign

Despite the reported attack, Ominimini said the NDC would continue its mobilisation across Delta State.

He maintained that the incident would not discourage party members from participating in campaign activities or supporting the party’s candidates.

The candidate nevertheless appealed to NDC supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, urging them not to respond to provocation or engage in retaliatory actions.

“We will not be intimidated,” he said, while reaffirming the party’s commitment to its campaign programme.

Unanswered questions

The incident raises several questions that remain unresolved. These include who organised the alleged attackers, whether the individuals were affiliated with any political organisation, what triggered the confrontation and whether anyone was arrested or injured.

There is also no independent confirmation in the information available that Governor Oborevwori or the APC sponsored the alleged attack.

As of the time of filing this report, the Delta State Government and the APC had not officially responded to Ominimini’s allegations.