There was pandemonium in Warri, Delta State, on Friday after suspected political thugs disrupted a campaign rally of supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The incident was disclosed by a photographer attached to Obi, Esther Umoh, in a post on X.
According to her, the thugs, who were allegedly politically sponsored, opened fire on the campaign train, which included the Delta State governorship candidate, his entourage and supporters of the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements.
She wrote, “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.”
A video from the scene, which has since gone viral, captured the chaotic moment, with a voice in the background shouting, “Look at the thugs, they came to attack us. We must face them. We are fully ready for them.”
The attack is coming at a time when political activities are gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Obi and Kwankwaso jointly flying the flag of the NDC.
Their support base, comprising the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements, recently unveiled a 59-member presidential campaign council with coordinators and directors across the country to drive their campaign.
