ASABA: Former Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the escalating political tension in Delta State, urging him to caution Governor Sheriff Oborevwori over the alleged attack on members and supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during a campaign march in Asaba.
Omo-Agege also called on security agencies to arrest and prosecute everyone allegedly involved in the incident, insisting that political violence and intimidation must not be allowed to undermine democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former senator’s position followed an incident during a campaign procession organised by NDC supporters in Asaba on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in support of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
In a statement issued on Sunday, November 8, through his Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications, Godwin Anaughe, Omo-Agege alleged that armed individuals attacked the campaigners while thousands of residents were participating in what he described as a peaceful political march.
According to him, more than 30 vehicles were destroyed, while over 10 members and supporters of the political movement sustained various degrees of injuries.
Among those reportedly injured were the Delta State Coordinator of the Obidient/OK Movement, Hon. Favour Emerure; Akpovegho Noah; Ifeoma Enuagwuna; Clinton Ossai; Obiora Anaekwe; Emmanuel Ngene; and Ikechukwu Michael.
Omo-Agege alleged that the attackers were organised by individuals connected to the Oshimili South Keke Task Force and Revenue Collection operation, specifically naming Chief Uche Ndu-Okafor as the alleged organiser.
He further disclosed that the police had confirmed one death in connection with the incident, although he said reports indicated that the deceased was allegedly among the attackers.
Describing the reported loss of life as disturbing, Omo-Agege maintained that everyone connected to the violence, including those who allegedly sponsored or organised the attack, must be identified and brought to justice.
Even one death is one too many. Whoever sent armed thugs into a peaceful march must answer for it, he said.
The former Deputy Senate President also accused the Delta State Government of failing to adequately protect opposition members, alleging that the Asaba incident was part of a troubling pattern of attacks against NDC supporters and political associates across the state.
He referenced previous incidents in Usiefrun, Uvwie, Warri and Effurun, which he claimed involved intimidation and violence against members of the opposition.
According to him, armed individuals allegedly attacked supporters who had gathered to receive him in Usiefrun on August 13, leaving six people injured.
He also alleged that more than 50 armed men invaded a venue prepared for a political campaign meeting in Uvwie on August 21.
Omo-Agege further recalled an alleged attack on the NDC’s One Million-Man March organised in support of the party’s candidate, Chris Iyovwaye, on September 18. He claimed that more than 100 people sustained injuries during the incident.
The former senator also raised concerns over the alleged release of a suspected attacker identified as Collins Ogumashe, popularly known as Black Moses.
He claimed that residents apprehended the individual with an AK-47 rifle during the incident but that the police released him on the same day without charges.
Omo-Agege questioned why no prosecution had followed the earlier incidents, despite what he said were assurances from Governor Oborevwori that the allegations would be investigated.
He argued that the absence of visible accountability for previous attacks could encourage further incidents of political violence.
That silence is why Asaba happened. You let thugs go free in August, you invite them back in September. You let them go free in September, you invite them back in November. Impunity always brings more violence,” he stated.
Addressing Governor Oborevwori directly, Omo-Agege urged the state government to ensure that opposition parties and their supporters could exercise their constitutional rights without intimidation or fear of violence.
He accused the administration of creating an environment in which opposition political activities had become increasingly difficult, alleging that his political associates had encountered challenges securing public facilities, using private venues and displaying campaign materials.
He maintained that political disagreements should be settled through democratic engagement and the ballot box rather than violence.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, we call on you directly: stop the barbarism; Deltans will not be intimidated by bloodletting. Stop the attacks. Stop the shielding of thugs. Stop turning Delta into a battleground because you fear losing an election,” he said.
The former senator’s statement also called on President Tinubu to intervene urgently, warning that the situation could deteriorate if the alleged incidents were not properly investigated and addressed.
We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call Governor Oborevwori to order – now, before Delta descends fully into anarchy,” the statement added.
Beyond his appeal to the President, Omo-Agege called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the Asaba incident and other alleged attacks on opposition supporters.
He demanded the arrest and prosecution of everyone found culpable, including individuals suspected of organising, financing or sponsoring the violence.
He specifically questioned the identity of those allegedly behind the attacks and the source of the weapons reportedly used during the incidents.
Who sent the thugs to Asaba? Who sent them to Warri? Who gave Black Moses an AK-47? Who is bankrolling this war against the opposition and the electorate of Delta State? Deltans deserve answers. And they will get them at the ballot box,” he declared.
Omo-Agege also urged security agencies to provide adequate protection for opposition rallies, roadshows and other lawful political activities across Delta State.
He emphasised that every political party and candidate should be allowed to mobilise supporters, communicate their programmes and campaign freely without threats or obstruction.
The former Deputy Senate President also appealed to NDC members and supporters not to be discouraged by the reported incident, urging them to remain committed to peaceful political participation.
He particularly warned young people against allowing themselves to be recruited by politicians or political groups to perpetrate violence.
“Do not allow yourselves to be used as thugs. Do not trade your future for a few Naira and bottles of drinks,” he cautioned.
He maintained that political violence should have no place in Delta State’s democratic process, insisting that the people must be allowed to determine their political future through free participation and credible elections.
The development has added another dimension to the growing political tension in Delta State as political parties and their supporters intensify activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, the allegations raised by Omo-Agege concerning the purported sponsors and organisers of the Asaba attack require independent investigation and official clarification. The accounts presented in his statement should not be treated as established findings of guilt against the individuals or institutions mentioned.
The police investigation, identification of those responsible and any subsequent prosecution will be important in establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensuring accountability.
For now, Omo-Agege’s central demand remains that the Federal Government and relevant security agencies intervene to protect political freedom, prevent further violence and guarantee a peaceful environment for political activities in Delta State.
RapidoSpace News will continue to monitor developments surrounding the alleged Asaba attack and the response of the Delta State Government and security agencies.
