The Delta State Government has directed security agencies to investigate a violent clash involving suspected supporters of the All Progressives Congress and the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred on Friday during an NDC campaign procession in the area and attracted public attention after a video of the confrontation circulated online. The state government subsequently condemned the incident and directed that anyone found responsible should face prosecution.
The directive was issued by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who, according to the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, ordered security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disturbance.
Aniagwu said the government was concerned about the reported violence and stressed that political competition should not be allowed to degenerate into physical confrontation, intimidation or harassment.
The commissioner maintained that every political party, candidate and supporter has the right to campaign freely and peacefully anywhere in Delta State, provided such activities are conducted within the law.
The confrontation reportedly occurred during an NDC mobilisation exercise in Effurun. Following the incident, an NDC candidate, Dr Obiuwevbi Ominimini, accused the APC and Governor Oborevwori of sponsoring individuals who allegedly attacked members of the opposition party.
The allegation remains a claim by the NDC candidate, and the state government has ordered an investigation to establish what actually happened and determine whether any individuals or groups were responsible for the violence.
Reacting to the development, Aniagwu said the government would not shield anyone found to have participated in the incident, regardless of political affiliation.
He stated that political affiliation could not provide protection from prosecution where a person had committed an offence.
The commissioner also called on political leaders, candidates, youth leaders and community leaders to take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters as political activities increase ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He warned that political campaigns should provide an avenue for parties to present their ideas, programmes and records to voters rather than become occasions for physical confrontation.
“Political affiliation is not a shield against the law. If anybody commits an offence, the law should take its course,” Aniagwu said.
The state government further appealed to security agencies to remain vigilant and ensure that political parties are allowed to conduct legitimate campaign activities without obstruction.
Aniagwu emphasised that the protection of citizens and their democratic rights should remain a priority, regardless of the political party involved.
He also urged supporters of both the APC and NDC to exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of escalating political disagreements into violence.
The latest incident comes as political parties intensify mobilisation and preparations ahead of the 2027 elections. The development has raised renewed concerns about the need for political actors and their supporters to maintain peaceful campaign environments as electoral activities gather momentum.
The government said it would maintain a zero-tolerance position towards political violence and would not protect individuals who violate the law.
Aniagwu urged politicians to compete through policies, programmes and records rather than physical force, stressing that no political ambition or party interest should endanger the lives and safety of residents.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the Effurun clash, identify those responsible and establish whether any criminal offences were committed.
Until the investigation is concluded, allegations made by either political side remain unproven. The state government has therefore directed security agencies to establish the facts and take appropriate legal action against anyone found culpable.
The incident has once again placed emphasis on the responsibility of political parties, candidates and their supporters to ensure that electoral competition does not undermine public peace as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
