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Party alleges premeditated assault by armed hoodlums; says dozens of campaign vehicles vandalised, several supporters injured

By Our Correspondent 

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned an attack on its supporters during its One Million Man March in Asaba, Delta State, demanding an immediate investigation, arrest and prosecution of those responsible, including their alleged sponsors.

The party said the peaceful political procession, held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, was disrupted by armed men wielding sticks, knives, machetes and other dangerous weapons, leaving several supporters injured and dozens of campaign vehicles vandalised.

In a statement issued in Asaba and signed by the Director of Media and Publicity of the Ochei Media Team, the NDC described the incident as a premeditated and unprovoked criminal assault on its members and other innocent residents.

It disclosed that several victims sustained varying degrees of injuries from knife and machete attacks and were receiving medical attention in hospitals across the state.

The party, while wishing the injured supporters speedy recovery, assured them of its solidarity and support.

Insisting that the incident was not a clash or misunderstanding, the NDC said the attack was a deliberate attempt to undermine democratic participation and intimidate its supporters.

According to the statement, the march was a lawful exercise of the participants’ constitutional rights to freedom of assembly, association and political participation before armed hoodlums allegedly invaded and disrupted the procession.

The party further alleged that the massive turnout and enthusiasm displayed by its supporters from the 25 local government areas of Delta State might have unsettled political opponents, prompting the resort to violence.

It accused unnamed opposition elements of attempting to frustrate its political activities through intimidation rather than engaging its campaign message and ideas.

“The will of the people cannot be macheted into submission. The march continued. The spirit remained unbroken. The message resonated louder than their violence,” the statement declared.

The NDC consequently called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, whom it described as the state’s Chief Security Officer, to order a full-scale, transparent and impartial investigation into the incident.

It also urged the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to urgently apprehend and prosecute those involved in the attack.

The party specifically demanded that the investigation should extend beyond the alleged attackers to identify their sponsors and financiers.

It listed attempted murder, grievous bodily harm, malicious damage to property and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace among the offences it wants investigated and prosecuted where established by evidence.

The NDC also reminded security agencies of their responsibility to protect all political actors, irrespective of party affiliation, from intimidation, harassment and attacks.

It cited Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

Issuing a warning to those allegedly behind the violence, the party said it would pursue all lawful avenues, including petitions and litigation, to ensure accountability.

It added that it would document the incident and seek justice through both local and international legal channels.

Despite the attack, the NDC urged its members and supporters to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding, warning against retaliation or any action capable of escalating tensions.

It called on supporters to channel their response through democratic participation, particularly at the polling units during the forthcoming elections.

The party equally appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations, the media, religious leaders and the international community to take note of the incident and demand accountability.

It maintained that political parties must be allowed to campaign freely without fear of violence, stressing that an attack on one political party constitutes a threat to the democratic rights of all political actors.

“The march has ended, but the movement has only just begun,” the statement added.

As of the time of the statement, the NDC had not identified those allegedly responsible for the attack or provided details of any arrests. The allegations of sponsorship and political motivation also remained claims by the party, pending independent investigation and confirmation by security agencies.

Photos: CHUKWUDI ABIANDU