Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Delta State has raised the alarm over the alleged destruction of its billboards, banners and other campaign materials in parts of the state.

It described the development as a threat to political competition and democratic freedom.

The party accused some government and government-aligned officials of allegedly using the power of incumbency to intimidate and frustrate opposition activities ahead of the 2027 general election.

State Chairman, Chief Angiamaowei Oyindoubra, made the allegations yesterday at a news conference in Asaba.

He cited alleged incidents in Bomadi and Isoko South local governments, where he claimed the party’s billboards and campaign materials were pulled down or destroyed.

He alleged that the incident in Bomadi occurred under the watch of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led council administration headed by Mr Dagidi Adaye, while a similar incident in Isoko South allegedly occurred under the administration of the council Chairman, Mr Warri Voke.

The NDC chairman called for impartial investigations into the incidents, saying political disagreements should not be allowed to undermine the democratic space.

He said: “Any action by government or government-aligned authorities that unlawfully suppresses legitimate political competition must be condemned outright.”

He said parties should be allowed to campaign, mobilise supporters and present their programmes to the electorate without intimidation or obstruction.

Oyindoubra said destruction of campaign materials could not defeat the ideas or message of a political party, urging the ruling party and other political actors to compete through policies, programmes and persuasion, rather than the use 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.

The NDC chairman warned that perceived political intimidation and destruction of opposition campaign materials could heighten tension in communities and further erode citizens’ confidence in the electoral process.

He advised political leaders to avoid actions capable of turning political disagreements into community conflicts.

He said people should be allowed to freely compare competing political alternatives.

Oyindoubra appealed to security agencies and relevant government institutions to remain impartial in handling political disputes.

He said any alleged violation of the law should be investigated and dealt with according to the law, irrespective of the political affiliation of those involved.

“These institutions are held in trust for the Nigerian people, not for APC, NDC or any other political organisation,” he said.

The NDC chairman challenged APC to face the electorate and defend its record rather than allegedly deploying incumbency against political competitors.

He said political power is transient and should be used to serve the people, rather than suppress dissent.

Oyindoubra enjoined citizens not to abandon the electoral process because of frustration or perceived injustice, but to pursue their rights 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 said NDC would continue to organise and mobilise peacefully, while insisting on the protection of the constitutional rights of political parties and citizens.

He added: “Defeat our arguments with stronger arguments. Defeat our policies with better policies. Defeat our candidates by earning the confidence of the electorate.

But do not attempt to defeat democracy itself.”

The NDC leader called for equal application of the law and urged politicians in Delta State to uphold peaceful competition as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify. (The Nation)