By George Ozalla
The camp of former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has raised the alarm over what it described as the rising wave of political violence in Delta State, warning that the development could threaten peaceful participation in the 2027 general elections.
The warning followed allegations of an attack on Hon. Temple Mudi, Senior Special Assistant to Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, during a meeting of All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders and stakeholders in Delta Central held at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Centre, Effurun, on Sunday, July 26.
In a statement issued by Godwin Anaughe, Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications to Senator Omo-Agege, the group condemned the alleged attack, describing it as a disturbing indication of the growing political tension in the state ahead of the 2027 polls.
Anaughe alleged that Mudi was attacked with stones, machetes and bottles by suspected thugs who disrupted the APC Delta Central stakeholders’ meeting.
He described the incident as “political thuggery,” saying it was unacceptable for a gathering of leaders of a registered political party to be violently disrupted and for a serving government official to allegedly be assaulted in broad daylight.
According to the statement, the development should concern all residents of Delta State, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Anaughe said the Effurun incident was not an isolated case, alleging that it was part of a pattern of political violence that had been building in the state.
He recalled the reported attack on the governorship candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, who was allegedly prevented by hoodlums from accessing his community in Agholokpe while attempting to visit the town hall.
The statement alleged that the incidents pointed to a disturbing level of political intolerance and intimidation, warning that violence against political actors could undermine the credibility of the electoral process if not urgently addressed.
Anaughe further alleged that there was credible intelligence suggesting plans for a coordinated campaign of violence and intimidation ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition leaders and political strongholds allegedly being targeted.
He called on security agencies to investigate the alleged attacks, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted.
The group specifically urged the Delta State Commissioner of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Inspector-General of Police to conduct a thorough investigation into the Agholokpe and Effurun incidents and uncover those behind them.
It also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations and the international community to closely monitor political developments in Delta State, particularly Delta Central, as the state prepares for the 2027 elections.
The statement reaffirmed the group’s commitment to peaceful and issue-based politics, urging political stakeholders to reject violence and uphold the sanctity of the ballot.
