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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Delta State has accused unidentified persons of destroying its billboards, banners and other campaign materials in parts of the state, describing the incidents as an attack on democratic freedom and political competition.
Addressing journalists in Asaba on Thursday, the party's Delta State Chairman, Chief Angiamaowei Oyindoubra, alleged that some government and government-aligned officials were using the power of incumbency to intimidate opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election.
Oyindoubra cited alleged incidents in Bomadi and Isoko South Local Government Areas, where he claimed the party's campaign materials were pulled down and vandalised.
He alleged that the Bomadi incident occurred under the APC-led council administration headed by Mr. Dagidi Adaye, while a similar incident in Isoko South happened under the administration of council chairman, Mr. Warri Voke.
The NDC chairman called for an impartial investigation into the incidents, insisting that political rivalry should not be allowed to undermine Nigeria's democratic process.
"Any action by government or government-aligned authorities that unlawfully suppresses legitimate political competition must be condemned outright," he said.
According to him, all political parties should be free to campaign, mobilise supporters and present their programmes to the electorate without intimidation or obstruction.
Oyindoubra maintained that destroying campaign materials would not silence the party's message, urging political actors to compete through superior ideas and policies instead of alleged abuse of state power.
"If the NDC erects a billboard, let the APC erect a more compelling one. If we convene a rally, let them organise a larger rally. If our candidates are weak, defeat them at the ballot box. If our ideas are bad, expose them before the electorate. That is democracy," he said.
He warned that acts of political intimidation and vandalism could heighten tensions in communities and weaken public confidence in the electoral process.
The NDC chairman also urged political leaders to avoid actions capable of escalating political disagreements into community conflicts, while calling on security agencies and relevant government institutions to remain neutral in handling political disputes.
He stressed that any alleged breach of the law should be investigated without regard to political affiliation.
"These institutions are held in trust for the Nigerian people, not for APC, NDC or any other political organisation," he added.
Oyindoubra challenged the APC to defend its performance before the electorate rather than allegedly relying on the advantages of incumbency to weaken opposition parties.
He encouraged Nigerians not to lose faith in the electoral process but to pursue change through peaceful, lawful and democratic means.
"Our people must rise, but not with violence, but with courage. Rise through civic participation, public accountability, lawful protest, political organisation and the ballot," he said.
He reaffirmed the NDC's commitment to peaceful political engagement and called on all stakeholders in Delta State to uphold fairness and democratic values as preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum.
