Forum Warns Against Electoral Thuggery, Calls for Issue-Based Campaigns as One Person Dies, Several Others Sustain Injuries
By Yahaya Idris
The leadership of the Latimore Political Forum (LPF) has condemned the violent confrontation involving supporters of rival political parties in Asaba, Delta State, on Saturday, November 7, 2026, which reportedly claimed one life and left several others injured.
The Forum described the incident as unacceptable, warning that political violence poses a serious threat to public safety, democratic participation and the peaceful atmosphere in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its Convener, Dr Wilfred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq., who also serves as the Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, LPF maintained that no political ambition, party affiliation or struggle for electoral dominance was worth the life of any Nigerian.
The Forum expressed concern that the incident could undermine the democratic process, stressing that political disagreements should be resolved through dialogue, peaceful engagement and the ballot box rather than violence.
LPF noted that political violence often extends beyond the immediate loss of lives and injuries, resulting in destruction of property, disruption of economic activities, heightened insecurity and declining public confidence in democratic institutions.
It further warned that such incidents could create fear among residents and discourage eligible voters from freely participating in electoral activities.
The Forum observed that Delta State had enjoyed relative peace under the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, whose government, according to LPF, had consistently emphasised security, political tolerance, peacebuilding and harmonious coexistence.
It therefore called on political stakeholders to protect the prevailing atmosphere of peace against actions capable of undermining public safety and stability.
According to the Forum, Governor Oborevwori has consistently advocated issue-based campaigns and responsible electioneering, urging political parties to promote their manifestos, development programmes and candidates’ credentials rather than resort to inflammatory rhetoric, name-calling and unsubstantiated allegations against opponents.
LPF cautioned political supporters who might be apprehensive about electoral defeat against resorting to intimidation, violence or thuggery.
It stressed that electoral contests must be determined by the freely expressed choices of voters, not threats, coercion or the deployment of political hoodlums.
On the legal implications, the Forum reminded political actors and their supporters that offences such as assault, grievous bodily harm, criminal intimidation, unlawful possession or use of weapons, conspiracy, destruction of property and homicide attract serious consequences under applicable Nigerian laws.
It noted that where political violence results in death, individuals found culpable could face prosecution for the appropriate homicide offence, depending on the evidence and circumstances established by investigators and the courts.
The Forum also warned that criminal responsibility could extend beyond individuals who physically participate in violent attacks to those who knowingly organise, finance, instigate or facilitate such activities, where their involvement is established by evidence.
LPF maintained that political affiliation or membership of a campaign organisation does not confer immunity from prosecution, insisting that anyone found culpable should be made to face the law.
The Forum commended the Delta State Commissioner of Police and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), alongside their personnel, for their efforts towards maintaining security and public order.
It, however, urged both security agencies to intensify investigations into the Asaba incident, establish the circumstances surrounding the violence, identify those directly and indirectly involved, including possible sponsors and instigators, and ensure their arrest and prosecution where evidence supports criminal charges.
LPF emphasised that the investigation must be thorough, professional and impartial, irrespective of the political affiliation or social standing of those involved.
It added that the reported death of a Nigerian during a political confrontation required serious institutional attention and accountability to discourage future occurrences of electoral violence.
The Forum also appealed to political party leaders, campaign coordinators, youth organisations and community stakeholders to caution their supporters against provocation, inflammatory statements and the recruitment or deployment of political thugs.
It called on security agencies to sustain vigilance throughout the electioneering period to prevent political disagreements from escalating into violent confrontations.
Reaffirming its political mobilisation activities in support of the All Progressives Congress (APC), LPF said its engagement would continue to focus on presenting the policies, programmes and development records of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, particularly in the areas of economic reforms, infrastructure development and socioeconomic initiatives.
The Forum described its mobilisation initiative as a structured engagement aimed at promoting informed political participation through facts, policy direction and verifiable achievements.
It maintained that the 2027 general elections should provide voters with the opportunity to examine party manifestos, assess candidates and make informed choices without intimidation or coercion.
LPF urged political parties and their supporters across Delta State to embrace maturity, restraint and tolerance, stressing that political opponents should not be treated as enemies.
It warned that political differences must not destroy community relationships and peaceful coexistence, urging all stakeholders to ensure that the Asaba incident does not become a recurring feature of the 2027 electoral process.
The Forum concluded that the protection of human life, public safety and democratic stability must take precedence over partisan interests, insisting that no political ambition justifies bloodshed.
It called on political actors to commit themselves to peaceful campaigns, respect for the rule of law and constructive engagement, declaring that Delta State’s peace must not be sacrificed on the altar of political rivalry.