The Honorable Member of Parliament representing Ethiopia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and daughter of James Ibori, former Governor of Delta State, Erhiateke Ibori-Suenu, on Saturday escaped unhurt when violence broke out during the All Progressives Congress (APC) congress in Ethiop West Local Government Area of Delta State.
Witnesses and officials confirmed that the congress, which was initially planned to be held at the Oghara Township Stadium, was suddenly shifted to Owade, another community in the local government area. According to party members, the sudden change of venue caused confusion and increased tension between the delegates and supporters who had gathered for the exercise.
The commotion began soon after Ibori-Suenu arrived at the new site. In a statement issued after the incident, the MLA alleged that suspected political goons stormed the Congress grounds, attacked participants and disrupted the programme. Many people were injured as chaos broke out in the crowd, forcing many to flee for safety. Some injured victims were later taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
Ibori-Suenu said he was prevented from reaching the Congress grounds after reports of threats to his security emerged. She described the experience as stressful and frightening, noting that the quick response of her security colleagues was crucial in ensuring that she remained safe. According to him, the situation quickly went out of control as groups clashed, with individuals waving dangerous objects and shouting provocative slogans. “There was a clear threat to my life and that of my team,” he said in his statement. “However, the prompt intervention of the security personnel attached to me ensured that none of us were harmed.”
Eyewitnesses recalled scenes of panic as vehicles moved away from the area and party members took shelter in nearby houses and shops. The congress, which was intended to elect grassroots party officials, ended abruptly amid the violence.
Following the incident, Ibori-Suenu urged his supporters and party members to remain calm and refrain from engaging in counter-attacks. He appealed for calm and called for immediate intervention of security agencies to restore normalcy and prevent further unrest. “No political ambition is worth anyone's blood,” he said. “I urge our members to maintain peace and allow law enforcement agencies to handle the situation.”
He also expressed concern about the ongoing tension in parts of Ethiopia's west and appealed to the authorities to deploy adequate security to prevent any disturbance of law and order.
Honorable. Erhiateke Ibori-Suenu is a prominent figure in Delta State politics and the daughter of James Onanefe Ibori, a former governor of the state. The Ethiopia West Congress formed part of the APC's nationwide internal elections aimed at selecting new party officials at the local government level. However, disagreements over control of the congress venue, delegate lists, and party structures reportedly led to rivalry between factions within the local chapter.
As of press time, neither the Delta State chapter of the APC nor the police had issued any official statement on the incident. However, sources indicated that security personnel have launched an investigation into the matter to identify those responsible and ensure accountability.
The incident highlights the recurring challenge of political violence that is undermining internal party democracy and stability within Nigeria's electoral process.
