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Political violence erupts near Warri Airport as coalition supporters clash with armed hoodlums during campaign march ahead of 2027 elections.
Supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) repelled an attack by suspected political thugs during a massive campaign procession near the old Warri Airport in Delta State on Friday.
The procession, tagged the “1 Million-Man March for NDC Candidates,” brought together supporters of former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso under the banner of the newly formed NDC alliance.
Armed Attack Triggers Chaos Near Warri Airport
Witnesses reported that the procession was ambushed by armed men attempting to disrupt the peaceful rally.
Eyewitness accounts and video footage from the scene showed a group of NDC supporters dressed in blue campaign shirts standing their ground and confronting the attackers.
Supporters used improvised wooden sticks and makeshift implements to defend the entourage and force the attackers to retreat into surrounding streets.
Esther Umoh, an official photographer attached to the campaign team, raised an alarm on social media during the incident.
Umoh alleged that politically sponsored thugs opened fire on campaign delegates, targeting the NDC Delta State governorship candidate and members of his entourage.
Gubernatorial Candidate Accuses Opposition of Sponsoring Violence
The NDC gubernatorial candidate for Delta State directly accused political opponents of orchestrating the violent disruption to intimidate opposition supporters.
“They came to attack us thinking we would run, but our people held their ground,” a voice recorded during the live video broadcast declared.
Security personnel eventually arrived at the scene to control the crowd and prevent further violence, though tensions remained elevated throughout Effurun and central Warri.
Delta State police authorities have not issued an official statement confirming arrests or casualties as of press time.
Coalition Alliances Heighten Political Stakes
The violence highlights growing tension in Delta State as political factions prepare for the upcoming political cycle.
The merging of the “Obidient” movement and the “Kwankwasiya” group under the NDC banner represents a major structural realignment aimed at challenging established parties across the Niger Delta.
Political analysts warn that early campaign disruptions could indicate rising volatility in key electoral strongholds if local security agencies fail to establish clear safeguards.
