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Delta NDC Guber candidate gives Police Command seven days to brief the public or face petition to IGP, National Peace Committee

By Our Correspondent 

Delta State’s security architecture is under fresh fire after suspected thugs attacked Obidient supporters in Asaba, while the investigation into the September violence at an NDC rally in Effurun has produced, in the words of the party’s governorship candidate, no public account in more than seven weeks.

Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, the NDC Delta State candidate for the 2027 governorship election, on Sunday condemned the attack on supporters along Nnebisi Road, Asaba, on 7 November 2026. Accounts shared with his campaign describe a peaceful rally disrupted by suspected thugs who smashed the windscreens of supporters’ vehicles and injured participants.

“Nobody should face violence for attending a political rally,” Iyovwaye said. “Our people’s right to organise must come with protection in practice.”

A silence of seven weeks

The Asaba incident, he noted, comes more than seven weeks after violence during NDC mobilisation in Effurun on 18 September 2026. Iyovwaye said Deltans are still waiting for a substantive public account of that investigation, including what has been established, whether any arrests or charges have followed, and what action has been taken.

“An announcement of an investigation must be followed by answers, accountability and concrete protection for our people,” he said.

Police handed a seven-day ultimatum

Iyovwaye called on the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, and the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to ensure the Asaba attack is investigated thoroughly and impartially. Witness accounts, footage, and evidence of injuries and vehicle damage must be examined, he said, and those responsible brought to justice.

He demanded that within seven days the Police Command publicly brief Deltans on both investigations and outline measures to protect political participants and witnesses.

Oborevwori on the spot

The candidate also pointed at Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, asking him to explain what his administration has done since announcing the Effurun probe to protect political gatherings and prevent further violence.

“Deltans deserve to know how those assurances are being translated into action,” Iyovwaye said.

DSS, INEC urged to act

He urged the Department of State Services to assess threats and support efforts to prevent further attacks. He also asked INEC to urgently convene security agencies and political parties in Delta State, through its election security coordination arrangements, to agree concrete safeguards for political activities.

Escalation if ignored

Iyovwaye said his campaign will submit a written request for the updates, backed by available evidence. If no substantive public briefing follows within seven days, the campaign will petition the Inspector-General of Police for direct intervention, notify the National Peace Committee, and brief the press.

He assured NDC members and the Obidient Movement of his solidarity, urging them to remain “united, vigilant and resolute in peaceful, lawful participation.”

“Delta belongs to all of us,” he said. “Reset Delta means a state where nobody is intimidated for their politics. Our voices will be heard. Our resolve remains strong.”

Deacon Chris Iyovwaye is the NDC governorship candidate for Delta State in 2027.