Chaos Erupts at Delta APC Senatorial Primary as Gunmen Storm Venue, Governor’s Aide Escapes Death

By Tgnews Reporter

Armed youths invaded the venue of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Delta South Senatorial District primary election on Monday, triggering panic, gunfire, and a violent clash that left several people injured.

The incident occurred at Ebe Primary School in Ovrode, Isoko North Local Government Area. Eyewitnesses said the armed group stormed the polling centre while party members awaited the commencement of voting, opening fire and causing a chaotic stampede.

Ovie Umuakpo, Executive Assistant to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, was reportedly at the centre of the crisis. Party sources alleged that the armed youths were loyal to him and that the attack targeted the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, who is working to deliver the incumbent Senator, Joel Onowakpo. Umuakpo himself narrowly escaped unhurt amid the violence.

A member of the APC who witnessed the event told reporters: “The invasion was against the Health Commissioner. As we were gathered, Ovie Umuakpo came with armed youths. They started shooting, and some youths on the ground resisted, leading to injuries on both sides. Everybody ran for their lives.”

The source added that the clash stemmed from a lingering supremacy battle between Umuakpo and Commissioner Onojaeme, which had reportedly been settled months earlier but resurfaced.

Several injured persons were rushed to hospital, and firearms allegedly recovered from the armed youths were taken to a government facility in the neighbouring Ofagbe community.

Following the disruption, officials relocated the primary exercise to the Isoko North Local Government Secretariat in Ozoro.

When contacted, Ovie Umuakpo denied masterminding any invasion. He claimed he only visited Ovrode to seek clarification after learning the venue had been changed from the originally designated Ellu community.

“On stepping down, we were attacked by boys on the ground. My boys were seriously injured and so were their boys,” Umuakpo stated. “I didn’t go there to fight anybody. There was nothing like I narrowly escaped death.”

The Health Commissioner could not be reached for comment as he was attending to the injured youths receiving treatment.

As of the time of this report, normalcy had been restored in the area. Voting had already concluded in several wards and local government areas across the senatorial district, with results being collated at Oleh, headquarters of Isoko South LGA, where the incumbent senator was said to be leading.

The violent disruption highlights the high-stakes tensions within the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections in Delta State. Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.