The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned what it described as a premeditated attack on its supporters during its One Million-Man March in Asaba, Delta State, demanding an immediate investigation and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
The party alleged that armed hoodlums wielding sticks, knives, machetes and other dangerous weapons disrupted the peaceful procession on Saturday, November 7, vandalising several campaign vehicles and inflicting injuries on some of its members and supporters.
In a statement issued by the Ochei Media Team’s Director of Media and Publicity, the NDC claimed that several victims sustained varying degrees of injuries from knife and machete attacks and were receiving medical attention in hospitals across the state.
Describing the incident as a deliberate assault on democracy rather than a political misunderstanding or clash, the party maintained that its supporters were exercising their constitutional rights to freedom of assembly, association and political participation when the attack occurred.
The NDC attributed the alleged violence to what it described as growing panic within the opposition camp over the massive turnout and enthusiasm displayed by its supporters and Deltans from the 25 local government areas during the march.
According to the party, the development demonstrated its growing political momentum, insisting that intimidation and political violence would not derail its activities or weaken the movement.
The party consequently called on Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, in his capacity as the state’s Chief Security Officer, to order a comprehensive, 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 apprehend and prosecute those allegedly involved in the attack, including their sponsors and financiers.
The NDC said those responsible should face the full weight of the law for offences including attempted murder, grievous bodily harm and malicious damage to property.
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful political participation, the party called on security agencies to guarantee the safety of all political actors, irrespective of their party affiliations, warning that no political organisation should be subjected to intimidation or harassment while exercising its democratic rights.
It further appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations, the media, religious leaders and the international community to pay attention to the alleged incident and hold those responsible accountable.
Despite the attack, the party urged its supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, warning against retaliation or actions capable of escalating political tension in the state.
It maintained that the appropriate response to political intimidation was through the ballot box, urging its members to mobilise peacefully and express their political choices through their Permanent Voter Cards.
The party also vowed to pursue all available legal avenues to secure justice for the victims, insisting that political violence must not be allowed to undermine democratic participation in Delta State.
“The march has ended, but the movement has only just begun,” the statement declared.
