Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso have alleged that suspected thugs disrupted a campaign mobilisation exercise in Warri, Delta State, raising fresh concerns over political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The allegation surfaced after videos from the scene circulated online, showing a chaotic atmosphere during the campaign activity involving members of the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements.
Esther Umoh, a photographer associated with Obi, claimed in a post on X that armed thugs targeted campaign supporters and members of the entourage of the NDC governorship candidate in Delta State.
“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,” she wrote.
A video shared alongside the allegation captured tense moments as individuals reacted to the incident. In the footage, a voice is heard saying, “Look at the thŭgs, they came to attack us. We must face them. We are fully ready for them.”
No official statement had been issued on the claims at the time of filing this report, while details on possible injuries or arrests remained unclear.
The development comes as political activities continue to gather momentum across the country ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Obi and Kwankwaso are campaigning on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, with their support base drawing heavily from the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements.
The campaign structure recently expanded its nationwide operations with the inauguration of a 59-member presidential campaign council made up of coordinators and directors from different parts of the country.
Political observers have noted increased grassroots mobilisation by supporters of the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket in several states as preparations for the next election cycle intensify.
The Warri incident has since generated reactions on social media, with supporters calling for a peaceful and violence-free political environment as campaigns continue across the country.
