By SCM Correspondent, Friday, Sept 18, 2026
WARRI — Tension flared in the commercial hub of Warri, Delta State, following an early morning attack by thugs allegedly loyal to the All Progressive Congress, APC on a joint political rally organized by the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC in Warri, Delta State.
The assault targeted the campaign team Comprising the NDC governorship candidate, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye (@dchrisiyovwaye), along with key movement figures including @MamaPee__, @Drmopaul, and members of the Obidient and Kwankwasiya opposition coalition. One campaign participant sustained gunshot injuries during the chaotic violence.
According to reports from eyewitnesses and political activists, present at the scene, the campaign rally came under heavy gunfire as the coalition engaged residents on the streets of Warri.
”As of this morning, politically sponsored thugs reportedly opened fire on @MamaPee__, @Drmopaul, @dchrisiyovwaye, the Delta State governorship candidate, members of his entourage, and other Obidient and Kwankwasiya supporters who were out campaigning in Warri,” an Obidient shared on X.
Despite the shock of the attack and the presence of live ammunition, eyewitnesses noted that supporters and local residents stood their ground to repel the assailants.
”The thugs were resisted by the people, although one of us had been shot at and injured,” an eye witness stated. “We will not cower. Nigeria must be OK.
This attack comes against the backdrop of heightened political tension and rising violence targeted at opposition movements in Delta State and across the South-South region. Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, an industrialist and the official governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has been conducting widespread consultations and grassroots mobilization across the 25 local government areas of Delta State.
The incident reflects a growing trend of friction targeting political actors associated with the Obidient and Kwankwasiya political movements.
Prominent activist MamaPee (Precious Oruche) and other high-profile opposition campaigners have faced repeated attacks and intimidation during political mobilization drives across various states.
Political violence remains a persistent issue in Delta State, particularly in key political hubs like Warri, Effurun, and Asaba. Electoral observers and civil society organizations have frequently raised alarms over the deployment of armed non-state actors by political interests to disrupt opponent rallies and create voter apathy.
Following the incident, community leaders and civil rights activists have called on the Inspector General of Police and the Delta State Police Command to immediately launch an investigation, identify the armed perpetrators, and guarantee the safety of political parties conducting legitimate campaign activities ahead of upcoming elections.
As of press time, party supporters affirmed that campaign activities would continue despite the threat.
