Ogbokuma Condemns Alleged Attack, Destruction Of Campaign Posters In Rivers West
The SDP Senatorial Candidate for Rivers West Senatorial District, Chief Hon. Dr. Progress Ogbokuma Aselemi, has condemned the alleged attack on a supporter and the reported destruction and removal of campaign posters belonging to opposition candidates across parts of Rivers State.
Ogbokuma, in a statement, expressed concern over reports of political intolerance and intimidation in Abua/Odual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Akuku-Toru, Degema and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (ONELGA) Local Government Areas.
He specifically cited the alleged attack on one John Jonah in ONELGA, who was reportedly assaulted while pasting campaign posters for his preferred candidate. He also referred to the reported case of a young man popularly known as “Copper,” who was allegedly caught removing SDP campaign posters in Ahoada West.
The SDP candidate said that, if established, the reported incidents were unacceptable and should not be allowed to undermine peaceful political participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
“No Nigerian should be subjected to physical assault, intimidation or injury simply for exercising their constitutional right to support a political candidate or political party,” he said.
Ogbokuma also condemned the alleged destruction, removal and defacement of campaign posters and other political materials, describing such acts as signs of political intolerance.
He stressed that political competition should be based on ideas, competence, character and the ability to deliver good governance rather than intimidation, violence or attempts to suppress opposing voices.
The candidate further urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to respect the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and conduct their campaigns peacefully and within the law.
He called on the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other relevant security agencies to investigate the reported attack on Jonah, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
He also urged security agencies to take proactive measures to prevent further attacks, intimidation and destruction of campaign materials across Rivers West.
Ogbokuma appealed to SDP supporters and members of other political parties to remain peaceful and law-abiding, urging them not to retaliate when provoked.
According to him, political parties and candidates whose campaign materials are destroyed should document such incidents and seek redress through the appropriate authorities rather than resorting to violence.
“Rivers West deserves an atmosphere of peace, fairness, freedom and equal political opportunity. Our people deserve an electioneering environment where every candidate can reach the electorate without fear and every citizen can freely decide who deserves their mandate,” he said.
He maintained that his campaign would remain focused on issue-based engagement, peaceful mobilisation and responsible leadership, with security, prosperity and human capital development among its priorities.
“We may belong to different political parties, but we remain one people with a common destiny. Political differences should never become reasons for hatred, violence or the destruction of another person's legitimate political aspirations,” Ogbokuma said.
He added: “Democracy must not be reduced to intimidation. Political posters are not enemies, and political opponents are not adversaries to be attacked. Let the people decide through their votes, not through violence.”
The SDP candidate reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing his political ambition peacefully, declaring: “Rivers West First: Together We Rise.”
