Ibori’s daughter escapes unhurt as APC congress in Ethiope West turns violent

Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu,Hon member representing Ethiope Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and daughter of former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, narrowly escaped harm on Saturday after violence broke out during the All Progressives Congress (APC) congress in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.

Witnesses and officials confirmed that the congress, initially planned to take place at the Oghara Township Stadium, was abruptly relocated to Ovade, another community within the local government area. The sudden change of venue, according to party members, fueled confusion and heightened tension among delegates and supporters who had gathered for the exercise.

Shortly after Ibori-Suenu’s arrival at the new venue, commotion erupted. In a statement released after the incident, the lawmaker alleged that suspected political thugs stormed the congress ground, attacking participants and disrupting the event. Several people were injured as chaos spread through the crowd, forcing many to flee for safety. Some of the injured victims were later taken to nearby hospitals for medical attention.

Ibori-Suenu stated that she was prevented from gaining access to the congress ground after reports of threats to her safety emerged. She described the experience as tense and frightening, noting that the quick response of her security aides was crucial in ensuring she remained unharmed. According to her, the situation rapidly spiraled out of control as factions clashed, with individuals brandishing dangerous objects and chanting provocative slogans. “There were clear threats to my life and that of my team,” she said in her statement. “However, the swift intervention of security personnel attached to me ensured that none of us suffered harm.”

Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of panic as vehicles sped away from the area and party members sought refuge in nearby homes and shops. The congress, which was intended to elect grassroots party officers, ended abruptly amid the violence.

Following the incident, Ibori-Suenu urged her supporters and party members to remain calm and avoid engaging in retaliatory actions. She appealed for peace and called for immediate intervention by security agencies to restore normalcy and prevent further unrest. “No political ambition is worth the blood of anyone,” she said. “I urge our members to maintain peace and allow law enforcement agencies to handle the situation.”

She also expressed concern about continuing tension in parts of Ethiope West and appealed to authorities to deploy sufficient security to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu is a key figure in Delta State politics and the daughter of James Onanefe Ibori, a former governor of the state. The Ethiope West congress formed part of the APC’s nationwide internal elections aimed at selecting new party executives at the local government level. However, disagreements over the congress venue, delegate lists, and control of party structures reportedly sparked rivalries among factions within the local chapter.

As of press time, neither the Delta State chapter of the APC nor the police had issued an official statement on the incident. Sources, however, indicated that security operatives had begun investigating the matter to identify those responsible and ensure accountability.

The incident highlights the recurring challenge of political violence that continues to undermine internal party democracy and stability within Nigeria’s electoral process.

Athekame Kenneth is a politics, economy, and finance reporter whose work is anchored in sharp investigative storytelling. He brings analytical depth to every piece, drawing on a strong academic foundation that includes a degree in Economics, an MBA in International Trade, and a minor in Petroleum Economics from Lagos State University, Ojo. His reporting blends rigorous research with a keen eye for hidden truths, delivering stories that illuminate power, policy, and the forces shaping everyday lives.

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