Suspected political thugs have invaded the secretariat of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, destroying billboards, banners and other campaign materials belonging to the party.

The attack reportedly occurred on Wednesday night at the party’s secretariat in Emohua Town, the headquarters of the local government area.

The attackers allegedly vandalised several campaign signages mounted on the building, including large billboards and banners.

The incident has heightened concerns over political violence as political parties begin preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Reacting to the development, the NDC House of Representatives candidate for Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency, Hon. Fugbara Ohaka, condemned the attack and urged party members and supporters to remain calm.

Ohaka said political disagreements should not be allowed to escalate into violence, intimidation or the destruction of property.

He appealed to NDC supporters not to retaliate, stressing that the party would not be provoked into taking the law into its own hands.

The candidate also called on security agencies to launch an investigation into the attack, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.

According to Ohaka, politics should be driven by competing ideas, development programmes, public service and the welfare of citizens rather than violence and destruction.

“Elections will come and go, but our relationships and communities will remain,” he said, urging political actors to embrace tolerance, peaceful engagement and responsible conduct ahead of the 2027 elections.

Ohaka reaffirmed his commitment to running a peaceful, issue-based and people-oriented campaign, while appealing to stakeholders to protect the peace in Emohua, Ikwerre, Rivers State and Nigeria at large.