The campaign organisation of former Deputy Senate President Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has raised concerns over what it described as an emerging pattern of political violence in Delta State, warning that recent attacks could signal a coordinated attempt to intimidate political opponents ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the campaign’s Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications, Godwin Anaughe, the organisation condemned the recent attack on a senior aide to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori during a meeting of leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Effurun.
According to the campaign, Hon. Temple Mudi, the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant, was reportedly attacked by suspected thugs armed with stones, machetes and bottles during the APC Delta Central Leaders and Stakeholders meeting held on Sunday at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Centre in Effurun.
The organisation described the incident as an act of political thuggery and expressed concern over what it believes is an increasing trend of politically motivated violence in the state.
The Omo-Agege campaign also referenced an earlier incident involving the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, who was allegedly attacked by hoodlums while attempting to visit his hometown in Agholokpe about two weeks ago.
According to the statement, the governorship candidate was prevented from accessing the community’s town hall by the attackers.
Drawing a connection between both incidents, the campaign argued that they raise serious concerns about the security environment ahead of the 2027 elections If members of the ruling party are willing to turn on each other with this level of violence, what exactly should the opposition expect once campaigning is in full swing?” the statement asked.
The organization further alleged that the same atmosphere of impunity that reportedly prevented an opposition governorship candidate from visiting his own community now appears to be affecting members of the ruling party.
The campaign claimed it had received what it described as credible intelligence suggesting there were plans to orchestrate coordinated attacks and intimidation against opposition figures and perceived opposition strongholds across Delta State before the 2027 elections.
According to the statement, the alleged objective would be to suppress voter turnout and influence the outcome of the polls.
It further suggested that the incidents in Effurun and Agholokpe could represent “rehearsals” for a broader strategy of political intimidation.
The campaign did not publicly provide evidence supporting the intelligence claim.t
The organisation called on the Delta State Commissioner of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Inspector-General of Police to conduct thorough investigations into both incidents.
It urged law enforcement agencies to identify those responsible, ensure they are prosecuted, and take proactive steps to prevent further political violence.
The campaign also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations and members of the international community to closely monitor political developments in Delta State, particularly in Delta Central Senatorial District, as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
Despite expressing concerns over the security situation, the Omo-Agege campaign reiterated its commitment to peaceful, issue-based political engagement.
“We will not be intimidated by this or by any act of political violence,” the statement said, urging political stakeholders and supporters across party lines to reject violence and uphold democratic principles.
The organization stressed that credible elections can only be achieved in an atmosphere free from intimidation, violence and fear, calling on all political actors to protect the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that voters are able to exercise their constitutional rights without coercion.
