“They came with cutlasses and guns”: NDC’s one-million-man march in Asaba attacked

Political tension heightened in Delta State on Saturday as supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, backing the presidential ambition of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, came under attack during a one-million-man march in Asaba, leaving several persons injured and campaign vehicles vandalised.

The incident is the latest in a series of violent disruptions targeting the party’s campaign activities across the country, ValidViewNetwork reports .

THE ATTACK

According to eyewitness accounts, the rally, which was billed as a one-million-man march, had begun peacefully before it was disrupted by armed thugs.

One of the party’s members told SaharaReporters on condition of anonymity that the attackers, who were armed with cutlasses, clubs and other weapons, descended on the supporters as they marched through the streets of Asaba, scattering the crowd and causing panic.

“Several of our members were injured in the attack. Our campaign vehicles were also destroyed,” the source said.

The source alleged that the attackers were sponsored by political opponents who were intimidated by the growing popularity of the NDC’s presidential ticket.

THE PATTERN

The attack on the Asaba rally is not an isolated incident.In recent weeks, the NDC has faced a series of violent disruptions to its campaign events, including the attack on Omoyele Sowore in Ekiti State and the disruption of a rally in Kwara State.

The party has consistently accused the ruling All Progressives Congress and its allies of orchestrating the attacks, an allegation the APC has denied .

WHY IT MATTERS

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The attack on the Asaba rally is a sign of the growing tensions ahead of the 2027 election.If opposition parties cannot campaign without being attacked, the election is already compromised.

If thugs can disrupt rallies with impunity, the democratic process is under threat.

The police have a duty to investigate this attack, identify the perpetrators, and ensure that they are brought to justice.

The NDC has a right to campaign freely. And the people of Delta State have a right to hear from the candidates without fear of violence. ValidViewNetwork reports.