The Obi/Kwankwaso (OK) Movement has called for an immediate and impartial investigation into an alleged attack on supporters of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) during the party’s One Million Man March in Asaba, Delta State.
The Delta Coordinator of the movement, Mr Favour Emerue, made the demand at a news conference in Asaba on Saturday, describing the incident as a threat to peaceful political participation and democratic rights.
Emerue alleged that armed hoodlums disrupted the procession and attacked participants with sticks, knives, machetes and other dangerous weapons.
He said several supporters sustained varying degrees of injuries and were receiving medical attention in hospitals across the state, while campaign vehicles belonging to the party were vandalised.
The coordinator called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attack, including their alleged sponsors and financiers.
He urged Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to direct a comprehensive, transparent and impartial investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and bring those involved to justice.
Emerue also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to investigate the allegations and strengthen security arrangements for political activities.
He described the alleged attack as an infringement on citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of assembly and association, adding that political parties must be allowed to mobilise supporters without intimidation.
According to him, the large turnout of NDC supporters from the state’s 25 local government areas might have unsettled political opponents, whom he accused of resorting to violence.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations, the media and religious leaders to condemn political violence and promote peaceful political engagement.
Emerue also called on the international community to monitor developments and support efforts to protect democratic participation in Nigeria.
He, however, appealed to NDC supporters to remain calm, law-abiding and peaceful, warning against retaliation.
He advised party members to channel their grievances through lawful processes and express their political choices through the ballot.
Emerue reiterated that violence and intimidation had no place in a democratic society, stressing the need to protect the rights of all political parties to organise and participate in political activities.
