Abraka Election: Campaign Tensions Raise Concern Over Peaceful Contest

A petition alleging threat to life, intimidation and damage to a mobile phone has drawn attention to growing concerns over the conduct of political activities ahead of the Abraka State Constituency election in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.

The petition, submitted by Comr. Kelvin Adigbo to the Divisional Police Officer, Abraka Police Division, and the Behind Bar Human Rights Foundation, Abraka Branch, concerns an alleged incident at Ojeta Secondary School, Abraka, on September 28, 2026.

Adigbo, who identified himself as a student teacher assigned to Ojeta Secondary School, alleged that he was confronted by a person he identified as Mr. Obagwe and others while he was outside the school premises making telephone calls.

According to the petitioner, he was accused of using his mobile phone to record or video the individuals, following which he alleged that Obagwe forcibly seized and squeezed his iPhone 12 Pro Max, resulting in damage to the device.

The petitioner specifically stated that there was no physical fight and that he was not beaten, stressing that his complaint centred on the alleged confrontation, forceful seizure and damage to his phone, as well as subsequent threats which he said had left him concerned for his safety.

Adigbo consequently appealed for police intervention, investigation of the allegations, identification and questioning of witnesses, and protection from possible further intimidation or retaliation.

He also stated his willingness to provide the damaged phone, relevant messages, call records, photographs, names of witnesses and other available evidence to assist any investigation.

Other Reports of Intimidation

The petition comes amid other reports received by Mo Media Headlines concerning alleged intimidation during political activities in parts of Abraka.

Mo Media Headlines has also received reports alleging that supporters associated with some political parties have been subjected to intimidation, while one account alleged that a campaign face cap worn by a supporter of one candidate was forcefully removed from his head and replaced with the cap associated with another candidate.

These additional allegations have not been independently verified by Mo Media Headlines, and the identities of all persons involved, as well as the circumstances surrounding the reported incidents, would require proper investigation by the relevant authorities.

The reports nevertheless raise broader questions about the atmosphere surrounding the ongoing contest for the restored Abraka State Constituency.

A Contest Between Brothers

The political contest has a particularly sensitive dimension because candidates from the constituency are members of the same broad community and, in some instances, are described by residents as brothers from the Urhuoka quarter of Abraka.

Against that background, political differences should not be allowed to translate into threats, intimidation, physical confrontation or attempts to prevent supporters from openly expressing their political preferences.

Elections are inherently competitive. Candidates will disagree over policies, records, programmes and political approaches, while supporters will naturally campaign for their preferred candidates.

But political competition does not remove the rights of citizens to personal safety, freedom of association and peaceful political participation.

The Need for Restraint

The allegations contained in the petition should not be treated as proof of guilt against any individual. The appropriate authorities have the responsibility to investigate the claims, hear from all parties and witnesses, examine available evidence and determine whether any offence was committed.

At the same time, reports of intimidation, if established, should be taken seriously because isolated confrontations can easily escalate when political emotions are high.

Community leaders, traditional institutions, political party leaders, candidates, youth organisations and security agencies therefore have important roles to play in maintaining peace throughout the campaign period.

Candidates should be encouraged to campaign on their programmes, experience, ideas and capacity to represent the people rather than allowing supporters to turn political differences into personal confrontations.

Abraka Must Come First

For the people of Abraka, the election should ultimately be about representation and development.

The constituency has longstanding concerns around roads, education, healthcare, employment, youth development, infrastructure and other issues requiring effective representation.

Whoever eventually receives the mandate of the people should be held to account for delivering on those responsibilities.

The choice belongs to the electorate, and every eligible voter should be allowed to make that choice freely, without intimidation or harassment.

Mo Media Headlines therefore urges all candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint and respect the rights of political opponents and their supporters.

The people of Abraka are neighbours, relatives, friends and, in many cases, members of the same extended families. Political positions can change, elections will come and go, but the community will remain.

The overriding prayer is simple: whoever wins should represent the people of Abraka effectively, fairly and responsibly.

There is no political victory worth sacrificing the peace, unity and security of the community for.