Political tension escalated in Warri, Delta State, on Friday as supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) alleged that suspected political thugs attacked them during a campaign mobilisation in support of the party’s presidential ticket.
The incident reportedly occurred around Osubi Airport, popularly known as Warri Airport, where supporters of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, had gathered for political activities. Videos circulating from the scene showed groups of supporters in blue shirts confronting people they identified as attackers, with some using sticks to resist the alleged assault.
Key Highlights
NDC supporters reported an attack during a political mobilisation in Warri, Delta State.
The incident occurred around Osubi Airport, also known as Warri Airport.
Videos from the scene showed a confrontation between supporters and suspected attackers.
An injured supporter alleged that he was stabbed during the incident.
Esther Umoh, a photographer associated with Peter Obi, alleged that politically sponsored thugs targeted the NDC governorship candidate’s entourage and other supporters.
There was no immediate independent confirmation of the allegation that firearms were used or of additional casualties.
One supporter seen in a video appeared to have sustained an injury and alleged that he had been stabbed during the confrontation. He also accused security personnel at the scene of failing to prevent the attack.
The videos showed supporters resisting the alleged attackers and remaining in the area despite the confrontation. The reports could not independently establish the identities or political affiliations of those involved.
Esther Umoh, a photographer associated with Peter Obi, also alleged on X that politically sponsored thugs targeted members of the entourage of the NDC governorship candidate in Delta State, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, along with other supporters of the Obidient and Kwankwasiya movements.
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Umoh further alleged that the attackers opened fire on some participants. However, that claim had not been independently verified at the time of reporting. A report by PUNCH also attributed the allegation to Umoh and said the incident involved supporters campaigning in Warri.
The reported confrontation comes amid increased political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections. Supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso are currently organising under the NDC platform, with the two political movements also maintaining their wider support structures.
The incident follows a separate confrontation in Benue State earlier in September, where suspected thugs reportedly blocked Obi’s convoy during his visit to the state. Videos shared by Umoh showed a group of people obstructing the convoy along the Gboko Road. The incident generated demands for an investigation from political groups and other stakeholders.
The latest incident in Warri has raised fresh concerns about political violence as parties and their supporters intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no immediate detailed statement from the Delta State Police Command confirming the identities of the alleged attackers, the reported stabbing or claims that firearms were used during the confrontation.
Security agencies are expected to investigate the incident and determine what led to the confrontation, while political stakeholders have continued to call for restraint and peaceful participation in political activities.
