The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Delta State for the 2027 election, Peter Mrakpor, SAN, has alleged that political thugs attacked members of the party and persons defecting from other political parties at Oria-Abraka in Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state.
Mrakpor, in a statement issued on Sunday, described the incident as a threat to democracy and called on the police to investigate the alleged attack and prosecute anyone found culpable.
He alleged that the attackers were led by councillor representing DESIEC Ward 5, Ethiope East, and claimed that they acted on the alleged instructions of the Director of Protocol, and the Chairman of Ethiope East Local Government Area.
According to him, “The incident occurred during an event where some persons from other political parties were formally joining the PDP.
“The attack resulted in injuries to the PDP Chairman in Ethiope East LGA, Festus Egede; Mrs Eslope and three other persons, while several others were also assaulted.
“This shocking incident is deeply troubling and raises serious concerns about the growing use of intimidation and political violence sponsored by the APC-led government in Delta State to suppress citizens exercising their constitutional right to freely associate with the political party of their choice,” Mrakpor alleged.
He called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Delta State Commissioner of Police to immediately intervene and conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
The PDP candidate specifically demanded the arrest of Emoavwodia over his alleged role in the attack.
He also urged the police to summon Oniorode and Ethiope local government Chairman to explain their alleged roles in what he described as the instigation of the violence.
Mrakpor further called for an end to what he termed the intimidation of opposition members exercising their constitutional rights.
He, however, urged PDP members and supporters not to retaliate, stressing that the party would not allow itself to be drawn into a cycle of violence.
“The Peoples Democratic Party will not be intimidated. We will not be silenced. We are a party of laws, not of violence,” he said.
He urged party members and other peace-loving residents of Delta State to remain calm, saying the PDP would pursue its political objectives through lawful and democratic means.
“Do not be intimidated. Do not retaliate. We will not be provoked into a cycle of violence. The march to reclaim our State will be conducted with discipline, lawful means, and unwavering resolve,” he added.
Mrakpor maintained that attempts to undermine democratic participation in Delta State would not succeed, insisting that the people’s will would ultimately prevail.
As of press time, the allegations had not been independently verified, while those accused were not immediately available for their reactions.
