Suspected thugs allegedly disrupted a campaign rally involving supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in Warri, Delta State.

The incident was brought to public attention by Esther Umoh, identified as a photographer associated with Obi, who alleged in a post on X that politically sponsored thugs had attack members of the campaign group.

Umoh alleged that the attackers targeted members of the entourage of the Delta State governorship candidate, as well as other supporters of the Obidient and Kwankwasiya movements who were campaigning in the area.

“As of this morning, politically sponsored thugs reportedly opened fire on @MamaPee__, @Drmopaul, @dchrisiyovwaye, the Delta State governorship candidate, members of his entourage, and other Obidient and Kwankwasiya supporters who were out campaigning in Warri,” she wrote.

A video circulated alongside the claims also showed a chaotic scene, with a voice heard saying, “Look at the thŭgs, they came to attack us. We must face them. We are fully ready for them.”

The allegation comes amid increased political mobilisation by supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 elections.

Obi and Kwankwaso are currently being mobilised under the NDC ticket, while the wider support structure includes members of the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements. The Obi-Kwankwaso support movement recently constituted a 59-member presidential campaign council comprising coordinators and directors across the country.