PDP Condemns Alleged Political Attack in Ethiope East, Calls for Investigation

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State has condemned an alleged attack on its members and new defectors from other political parties at Oria-Abraka in Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on Sunday, August 16, 2026, allegedly disrupted a gathering where some political associates were formally joining the PDP.

The PDP governorship candidate in Delta State for the 2027 election, Peter Mrakpor, SAN, in a statement, alleged that the attack was carried out by suspected political thugs loyal to the Delta State Government.

Mrakpor alleged that the attackers were led by one Oghenekevwe Emoavwodia, identified as the councillor representing DESIEC Ward 5 in Ethiope East, and accused the Director of Protocol, Government House, Chief Sunday Onoriode, and the Chairman of Ethiope East Local Government Area, Chief Augustine Ogedegbe, of allegedly instigating the violence.

According to him, the alleged assault left the PDP LGA Chairman for Ethiope East, Festus Egede, Mrs. Eslope and three other persons severely injured, while several others were also allegedly assaulted.

Mrakpor described the development as a “brazen act of political thuggery” and expressed concern over what he described as the growing use of intimidation and political violence in the state.

He alleged that the incident was part of an attempt by the APC-led state government to intimidate opposition members and discourage citizens from freely associating with political parties of their choice.

The PDP candidate said the party would not be intimidated or silenced, stressing that it remained committed to pursuing its political objectives through constitutional and lawful means.

“We are a party of laws, not of violence,” Mrakpor stated.

He consequently called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Delta State Commissioner of Police to investigate the incident and take appropriate action.

Specifically, Mrakpor called for the immediate arrest of Emoavwodia over his alleged role in the attack, while urging the police to summon Onoriode and Ogedegbe to establish whether they had any involvement in the alleged instigation of the violence.

He also called for an end to what he described as state-sponsored intimidation of opposition members exercising their democratic rights.

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The PDP governorship candidate, however, urged members of the party and other peace-loving Deltans not to retaliate over the alleged attack.

He said the PDP would not allow itself to be provoked into a cycle of violence, insisting that its campaign to regain political control of Delta State ahead of the 2027 election would be pursued through peaceful and lawful means.

“They want to truncate our democracy, but we will not let them. The people’s will shall prevail,” he said.

The allegations contained in the statement could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report. The accused persons and relevant government authorities had also not publicly responded to the allegations.