Supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso clashed with alleged APC-sponsored thugs in Delta State on Thursday. The clash occurred during a solidarity march near Warri Airport. The supporters, known as Obidients and Kwankwasiyas, wore blue shirts and red caps. Eyewitness videos show them pushing back against the disruption. One supporter was captured saying: “Look at the thugs, they came to attack us. We are fully ready for them.” Reports indicate at least one person was shot. Campaign figures Mama Pee and Dr. Mo Paul were targeted. Police were present but did not intervene initially.
Political violence has been a recurring feature of Nigerian elections. In 2023, thugs attacked Obidient rallies in Lagos, Enugu and other states. The 2019 elections saw widespread violence in Kogi, Bayelsa and Rivers. The pattern is consistent. Opposition mobilisation meets state-sponsored disruption. The police often stand aside. In Delta State, political clashes have occurred in Warri, Sapele and Ughelli. The state is a PDP stronghold, but the NDC’s emergence has disrupted the local calculus.
The march was a solidarity event for Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso. The NDC is a new vehicle for both politicians. It gained INEC recognition in February 2026. Obi left the Labour Party. Kwankwaso left the NNPP. Their supporters have merged under the NDC banner. The Warri march was part of a nationwide mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
The attack followed a familiar script. Alleged APC thugs arrived to disrupt. They targeted campaign figures. One person was shot. The police were present but did not intervene initially. That detail matters. If the police saw the attack and stood by, it signals either complicity or fear. Neither is acceptable. The NDC has not issued a formal statement. The police have not announced arrests.
The political context is tense. Delta State is governed by the PDP. The APC controls the presidency and the National Assembly. The NDC is positioning itself as an alternative. The clash in Warri is a warning. If opposition marches are attacked without consequence, the 2027 campaign will be violent. The police’s inaction emboldens attackers. It also discourages peaceful assembly.
The eyewitness videos are important. They provide evidence. They also spread quickly on social media. The government cannot control the narrative. The videos show supporters fighting back. That may deter future attacks. It may also escalate them.
Winners: The attackers, if they face no arrest. The APC, if the attack disrupts NDC momentum. Social media, which gains content. The NDC, if the attack generates sympathy. Losers: The injured, who face recovery. The NDC, whose march was disrupted. Delta voters, who face intimidation. The police, whose inaction is questioned. The political process, which becomes more dangerous. Nigerians who want peaceful campaigns.
Bottom Line: Thugs attacked a political march in Warri. Police watched. One person was shot. The 2027 campaign is already violent. Delta should not become the next flashpoint. The police must arrest the attackers or admit they cannot protect peaceful assembly.