2027: Asagba of Asaba Condemns Nnebisi Road Bloody Political Rally, Calls for Issue-Based Electioneering
…Police Confirm One Killed, Others Injured

By Mick Oseji, Asaba

The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, has condemned the political violence that erupted in parts of the Delta State capital during a political rally on Saturday, November 7, 2026, warning politicians and their supporters against conduct capable of undermining the peaceful atmosphere of the city.

The revered monarch, who spoke in a video shared on social media on Sunday, November 8, 2026, described any action capable of denting Asaba’s reputation as one of the most peaceful state capitals in Nigeria as unacceptable and reprehensible.

He called on political actors to embrace issue-based electioneering, peaceful engagement and constructive political discourse ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Acknowledging Asaba’s growing status as a state capital and emerging metropolis, the monarch said he was not oblivious to the city’s steady and inevitable transformation into a major urban centre accommodating people of diverse backgrounds, values, political leanings and persuasions.

However, he stressed that such diversity must not become an excuse for hostility, confrontation or violence.

The Asagba maintained that acts of hostility would not be tolerated, expressing solidarity with the Delta State Government in condemning the violence that marred Saturday’s political activities in parts of the state capital.

He observed that a political rally, which ought to provide an opportunity for citizens to freely and peacefully exercise their constitutional rights, regrettably degenerated into acts of hostility.
The monarch consequently urged politicians, political parties and their supporters to pursue their ambitions through peaceful and issue-based campaigns rather than resorting to intimidation, confrontation or violence.

His intervention comes amid growing political tension following a violent incident during a procession organised by the Obedient/OK Movement in support of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate along Nnebisi Road, Asaba.

The incident, which occurred at about 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, reportedly left one person dead and five others injured.

The Delta State Police Command confirmed the casualties, disclosing that it had commenced a full-scale investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the violence and identify those responsible.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the Command had received intelligence suggesting the possibility of violence before the rally and subsequently invited the organisers to a security meeting.

The police said the organisers were advised against embarking on an open-road procession and encouraged to conduct their political activities at a designated venue where adequate security arrangements could be provided.

However, the Command alleged that the organisers disregarded the advice and proceeded with the procession.

Following a distress call, police operatives reportedly mobilised to the scene, evacuated the injured victims to hospital and reinforced security in the affected area.

The incident subsequently generated accusations and counter-accusations between the opposition NDC and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and NDC senatorial candidate for Delta North, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, accused members of the ruling APC of allegedly being responsible for the attack.

Ochei described the incident as unacceptable, arguing that political parties should concentrate on presenting their achievements and programmes to the electorate rather than engaging in acts of intimidation.

He also appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to rein in members of his party and prevent Delta State from becoming a theatre of political violence.

However, the Delta APC Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, dismissed the allegations, insisting that there was no evidence linking APC members to the incident.

He described the accusations as politically motivated and challenged the NDC to provide evidence to substantiate its claims.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has also condemned the violence, calling for a comprehensive and impartial investigation and warning political parties and their supporters against activities capable of threatening public peace and security.
The Asagba’s appeal adds to growing calls from political stakeholders and security authorities for restraint, peaceful political engagement and respect for the rights of citizens as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

For the monarch, the message is clear: political differences and ambitions must not come at the expense of human lives, public peace and Asaba’s reputation as a peaceful state capital.