…Nigeria Democratic Congress Accuses of Political Victimisation, Appeals to Oborevwori to Intervene
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State has threatened a mass protest over the alleged seizure of a truck belonging to one of its chieftains, Amb. Alex Tobore Agbah, accusing the council chairman, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, of political victimisation.
The party called on Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to urgently intervene and direct the council chairman to release the vehicle, warning that continued detention of the truck could trigger a peaceful demonstration involving market women, youths, students and other residents.
Speaking at a press briefing in Ughelli on Monday, October 19, 2026, a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Dr Christopher Obiuvwebi Ominimini, alleged that the truck, loaded with business goods, was impounded on Friday, October 16, following an earlier controversy over the sealing of Agbah’s business premises.
Ominimini alleged that the council chairman’s actions were connected to Agba’s participation in organising a 10,000-man protest in Ughelli against hunger, alleged impunity and poor governance.
According to him, Agbah’s business premises were sealed on October 4, 2026, but reopened the following day after public outcry.
He claimed that council officials returned on October 16 and seized the businessman’s truck, which allegedly contained tyres and other commercial goods, leaving Agba exposed to mounting financial losses.
“The government that makes the law must also obey the law. You cannot seal somebody’s business premises without due process. What happened was political victimisation,” Ominimini alleged.
He further claimed that the mobile phones of Agbah’s wife and business manager were seized when they attempted to record the incident, adding that the devices were subsequently recovered following the intervention of a community leader.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress chieftain condemned what he described as an attempt to intimidate political opponents, insisting that citizens had the right to associate with any political party of their choice.
“You cannot force somebody to join your political party. Agbah has committed no offence by joining the NDC or participating in a protest against hunger. We are calling on Governor Oborevwori to intervene and ensure the immediate release of the truck,” he said.
Ominimini, who described Egbo as a longtime political associate and brother, appealed to the council chairman to resolve the dispute peacefully, warning that the controversy could further damage his reputation and that of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He said the Nigeria Democratic Congress had exercised restraint since the truck was allegedly impounded but would not hesitate to mobilise residents for a peaceful protest if the matter remained unresolved.
“We are law-abiding people. That is why we have remained calm from Friday until now. But if the truck is not released, the public will witness a protest within the ambit of the law,” he warned.
Beyond the dispute, Ominimini criticised the state of infrastructure and public services in Ughelli North, alleging that several roads in Ughelli town and surrounding communities were in deplorable condition.
He also expressed concern over the alleged lack of adequate furniture in public schools, claiming that some pupils and students were forced to sit on bare floors during lessons.
He challenged the council chairman to prioritise road rehabilitation, educational infrastructure and other basic amenities rather than engaging in actions that could be interpreted as political intimidation.
The NDC chieftain further linked the controversy to the economic hardship facing Nigerians, citing rising food prices, fuel costs and education expenses as evidence of the growing pressure on households.
He argued that political officeholders should focus on addressing the needs of the people instead of allowing partisan differences to interfere with citizens’ businesses and livelihoods.
Ominimini also alleged that the council chairman’s conduct was generating discontent within the APC, adding that some party supporters were becoming dissatisfied with the administration.
He expressed confidence that voters would have the opportunity to express their views through the ballot in the forthcoming elections, insisting that political influence should not replace popular support.
While reiterating his opposition to what he described as high-handedness, Ominimini maintained that the Nigeria Democratic Congress would continue to pursue the matter through peaceful and lawful means.
He appealed to Egbo to reconsider his approach, emphasising that political differences should not be allowed to destroy longstanding relationships among members of the Urhobo community.
“We are brothers, and I do not want politics to destroy your name. We are appealing to you to release the truck belonging to Tobore Agba and allow peace to prevail,” he said.
He praised Agba for what he described as his restraint in the face of the alleged seizure, maintaining that the NDC would continue to pursue the matter through peaceful and lawful means.
The press briefing was attended by several Nigeria Democratic Congress leaders and officials from Ughelli North, including the party’s local government chairman, Chief Nikoro Tega, alongside ward leaders, youth representatives and women leaders.
As of the time of the briefing, the Ughelli North Local Government Council chairman’s response to the allegations was not available.
