By Emmanuel Enebeli
EFFURUN/Nigeria: A coalition of civil society organisations has condemned the reported political clash in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, urging security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and bring anyone found responsible to justice.
The position was contained in a joint statement signed by the Human Rights Advocacy Coalition (HRAC), Delta State Civil Society Organisational Forum (DELCOF), Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative (VREI), and the Directorate of Legal Advocacy and Human Rights, and issued on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
The groups described the confrontation involving suspected supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) on Friday as unacceptable, warning that political disagreements should not be allowed to threaten the safety and freedom of residents.
The incident occurred during an NDC mobilisation exercise in Effurun and attracted public attention after videos of the confrontation circulated online. The Delta State Government subsequently directed security agencies to investigate the incident and prosecute anyone found culpable.
In their statement, the civil society organisations said the reported disturbance had consequences beyond the immediate political actors, particularly for residents, traders, workers and motorists who depend on the Effurun-Warri corridor for their daily activities.
They argued that political campaigns and mobilisation exercises should provide citizens with opportunities to participate in democratic processes rather than expose them to violence, intimidation or disruption.
The coalition also called for an impartial investigation into the incident, saying those found to have participated in or organised violence should face the law irrespective of their political affiliation.
It further urged political leaders and candidates to publicly discourage supporters from engaging in violence, hate speech or other conduct capable of escalating tensions as political activities increase ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisations said political parties had a responsibility to ensure that their supporters conducted themselves within the law, while security agencies should provide equal protection for citizens and political groups participating in lawful activities.
They also appealed to residents of Effurun, Warri and Uvwie to resist attempts to turn them into participants in political conflicts and urged traditional rulers, religious leaders and other community stakeholders to promote dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
The coalition maintained that the right to life and freedom of movement guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution should be protected, particularly during periods of heightened political activity.
It cited Sections 33 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution in making its case for the protection of life and freedom of movement, while calling for the relevant authorities to determine whether any criminal offences were committed during the confrontation.
The groups welcomed the Delta State Government’s decision to order an investigation but said the process should be transparent and lead to appropriate legal action where wrongdoing is established.
The civil society organisations also called on political actors to place the safety of residents above partisan interests and ensure that future campaigns and political gatherings are conducted peacefully.
The statement came as political activities intensify in Delta State ahead of the 2027 general elections. The identities and affiliations of all persons involved in the Effurun confrontation, as well as the full circumstances that led to the clash, remain matters for investigation. Current reports also indicate that there had not been an official police account publicly establishing responsibility for the confrontation at the time of reporting.
The coalition said it would continue to advocate for human rights, peaceful political participation, accountability and responsible leadership in Delta State.
