Tension has risen in Delta State after the entrance to a Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) campaign ground was reportedly blocked with heaps of sand. Supporters found it hard to enter the venue.
NDC supporters then came with shovels. They removed the sand and spread it across the ground. They then went on with their campaign.
One report says the sand was dumped by suspected members of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This has not been proven. No official response from the APC or the police has been seen.
Not an Isolated Event: Delta Has Seen a String of Disputes Over Campaign Access
This is not the first time NDC members in Delta have complained of being disrupted.
Effurun march: NDC supporters said suspected political thugs disrupted their “one million march” for NDC candidates. Delta police had not made a statement. The state government condemned the violence and said every party has the right to campaign freely.
Governor’s order: Information Commissioner Charles Aniagwu said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori told security agencies to investigate and prosecute anyone found guilty.
Candidate’s claims: NDC governorship candidate Chris Iyovwaye called the Effurun incident a “dangerous precedent“. He alleged that the police escort was called away and that some of his people were shot.
Warri: NDC supporters also alleged an attack on a mobilisation event near the Warri airport.
What the APC Has Said About Similar Claims
The APC has rejected earlier claims that it is linked to violence.
The Delta APC dismissed Ovie Omo-Agege’s claims linking the party to violence. It called them false and politically motivated.
The APC called another allegation a “campaign of calumny” (a false and damaging statement) against the governor.
Why This Matters: Free Campaigns Are the Base of Credible Elections
Delta’s government itself says every party has the right to campaign freely and peacefully.
Blocking a venue is not the same as a physical attack. But it can still stop a party from reaching voters. If such acts spread, voters may lose trust in the process.
Strong words can also raise the heat. One report says Omo-Agege’s “rig and die” warning raised concern about violent language in an already competitive environment.
What Can Calm Things Down: Clear Facts, Neutral Security and Peace Pledges
Quick, public police reports. Police should say what happened and who is responsible, not leave it to rival parties to tell the story.
Neutral security. Security agencies must be seen to treat all parties alike.
Written peace pledges. Party leaders should publicly tell their supporters to avoid provocation.
Fair venue rules. Parties and local authorities should agree on venues and permits early, so disputes don’t turn into street fights.
Where We Stand: Every Party Must Be Able to Reach Its Voters
We do not take sides between parties. Our concern is the pattern.
If sand can block a gate today, something worse can block a road tomorrow. We commend the supporters who chose to clear the entrance and carry on instead of starting a fight. But peace should not depend on one side staying calm.
We believe that anyone who blocked that gate must be identified and questioned, if the claim is true. If it is false, those who made it should say so. In both cases, we urge the police to speak plainly and quickly. Delta voters, like all Nigerians, deserve to hear every candidate without fear.
Published by Ejoh Caleb
