The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has condemned recent incidents of political violence in Warri, Calabar and Asaba, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities and thorough investigations to bring those responsible to justice.
The Forum expressed grave concern over the incidents recorded in the South-South region, particularly the violence in the Warri/Effurun axis on Friday, September 18, 2026; Calabar on Wednesday, November 4, 2026; and the latest incident in Asaba on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in which a life was lost.
In a press statement issued on Monday, November 9, 2026, and signed by its National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, PANDEF described the developments as a sacrilege against the peaceful coexistence of the people of the Niger Delta.
The Forum said violence, intimidation and political thuggery were alien to the spirit, values and traditions of peaceful coexistence, tolerance and political forbearance for which the people of the South-South were known, stressing that the legacy inherited from their founding fathers must be sustained.
PANDEF outlined its concerns and appeals as follows:
1. Appeal for political maturity and sportsmanship
The Forum called on all leaders, supporters and stakeholders of political parties to demonstrate maturity and embrace the spirit of sportsmanship in resolving political differences wherever they arise.
2. Responsibility of political leaders
It urged leaders of political groups to recognise their sacred responsibility to guide their followers and discourage every form of inflammatory rhetoric, provocation and conduct capable of triggering violence.
3. Special appeal to Niger Delta youths
PANDEF made a special appeal to the youths of the Niger Delta not to allow themselves to be used as cannon fodder or instruments of political violence, thuggery and intimidation. It urged young people, as the future of the region, to channel their energy and zeal towards peaceful and constructive political activism rather than sacrifice their future to the depraved interests of a few selfish political actors.
4. Immediate investigations by security agencies
The Forum urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security agencies to undertake urgent and thorough investigations into the incidents in the affected locations, identify and apprehend the perpetrators and masterminds, and ensure they are brought to book.
5. Secure venues for political rallies
PANDEF advised political parties and their leadership to, as much as possible, organise rallies and large gatherings in properly enclosed or secured venues, with adequate security arrangements whenever transit movements become necessary.
6. Effective crowd control and public safety
It stressed that organising political gatherings in secured venues and making adequate security arrangements would facilitate better crowd control, minimise the risk of clashes and ensure the safety of all concerned.
7. Collective regional interest above partisan considerations
The Forum called on all stakeholders to place the collective interest of the Niger Delta above partisan considerations and work together to preserve peace and protect lives and property.
8. Preservation of mutual forbearance and unity
PANDEF urged stakeholders to sustain the values of mutual forbearance that bind the people together, stressing the importance of peaceful coexistence across the region.
9. Commitment to peace throughout the election season and beyond
The Forum insisted that the entire South-South must remain a region of peace, tolerance, mutual respect and responsible democratic engagement throughout the election season and beyond.
PANDEF reaffirmed its strong condemnation of political violence and appealed to all political actors and stakeholders to uphold the region’s longstanding values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence and responsible democratic participation.
The statement was signed by Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, PhD, OON, National Chairman of PANDEF.
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