politics

NDC Candidate Alleges APC-Backed Attack in Delta

Published

4 months ago

July 13, 2026

Chris Iyovwaye accuses APC of sponsoring thugs to disrupt a campaign visit as the ruling party has yet to respond to the allegations

Governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Delta State, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state of sponsoring thugs who allegedly attempted to disrupt his campaign engagement at a community town hall.

Also read: NDC Files Appeal Against Court Ruling on Registration

According to the opposition candidate, the Chris Iyovwaye alleges APC attack claim stems from an incident in which he and his supporters were allegedly prevented from accessing the venue of a political meeting.

Iyovwaye alleged that the visit was nearly disrupted by individuals he described as political thugs but said his supporters exercised restraint, preventing the situation from escalating into violence.

He commended members of his campaign team for maintaining peace despite what he characterised as provocation.

“I commend our supporters for remaining calm and disciplined. Their restraint ensured that the situation did not degenerate into violence,” he said.

Condemning the alleged incident, the NDC governorship candidate argued that intimidation and political violence have no place in a democratic society.

He called on Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to ensure that all political parties are able to campaign freely and engage with voters without fear of harassment or intimidation.

Iyovwaye also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, the Delta State Commissioner of Police and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the state to investigate the alleged attack and prosecute anyone found responsible.

“Democracy cannot flourish where political opponents are attacked simply for meeting with their own people,” he said.

Reaffirming his campaign message, Iyovwaye said the NDC remained committed to offering what he described as a credible alternative centred on good governance, practical solutions and people-focused leadership.

He urged the APC to prioritise issues affecting the welfare and development of Delta residents rather than engaging in actions capable of undermining the democratic process.

Although he maintained that “no one has a monopoly on violence,” the governorship hopeful said his party would continue to conduct its political activities peacefully and within the confines of the law.

He added that the NDC’s vision is built around restoring public confidence in governance and delivering meaningful development across the state.

“As we move across the state, our message remains clear: together, we will Reset Delta,” Iyovwaye said.

The allegations come as political activities intensify ahead of future elections, with parties across the country increasing grassroots consultations and mobilisation.

Electoral stakeholders have repeatedly called on political actors to conduct campaigns peacefully and avoid actions that could threaten public order or undermine confidence in the democratic process.

Also read: Kwankwaso Meets Dickson as NDC Prepares for 2027 Polls

The Delta State chapter of the APC had not responded to the allegations at the time this report was filed, and there was no immediate independent confirmation of the claims.

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politics

2027: Political Parties Mobilise Thousands of Polling Agents

Published

1 day ago

November 8, 2026

Mariam Balogun

Political parties in Nigeria have intensified the recruitment and training of polling agents ahead of the 2027 general elections, as preparations shift towards securing representation at polling units across the country.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), are putting structures in place to monitor voting, counting and collation of results.

The development comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) introduces an electronic platform for political parties to nominate and submit the details of their polling agents, replacing the manual submission system used in previous elections.

Nigeria has 176,846 polling units, making nationwide representation a major logistical undertaking for parties seeking to monitor the electoral process from the grassroots.

The APC has claimed that it has recruited 4,421,150 polling agents across the country’s polling units.

Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, disclosed the figure while speaking at a two-day national retreat of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Abuja.

The ruling party said its mobilisation was part of efforts to strengthen its grassroots presence and ensure adequate representation during the elections.

The opposition parties are also developing their own strategies, with some focusing on recruiting committed members, screening nominees and training officials responsible for submitting agents’ details to INEC.

PDP trains officials, warns against double agents

The PDP has begun training its state executives and officials responsible for uploading the details of its polling agents to INEC’s online portal.

At a capacity-building session in Abuja on November 2, the party’s National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, urged participants to take the exercise seriously and extend the training to officials at the local government and ward levels.

He stressed that election monitoring began at polling units, where party agents played an important role in protecting candidates’ interests.

The party’s National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, also cautioned state executives against engaging individuals who were not committed members of the party.

Bature warned against the recruitment of so-called double agents who could abandon their responsibilities or work for rival parties during elections.

He urged party officials to properly screen nominees and prioritise loyal members who had demonstrated commitment to the organisation.

The PDP subsequently directed its state secretaries to submit their agents’ details to the national leadership by December 2, ahead of the commission’s submission deadline.

Labour Party draws lessons from 2023 election

The Labour Party has also commenced the recruitment, screening and notification of polling agents as part of its preparations for the 2027 elections.

Its Interim National Chairman, Nenadi Usman, said the party was drawing lessons from the 2023 general elections, particularly the difficulties it encountered in obtaining comprehensive coverage of polling units.