Leaders, Stakeholders Rebut Allegations of Police Interference in Otughievwen Election in Delta

By Osaro Michael, Benin

Concerned leaders, stakeholders and members of Otughievwen Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, have refuted allegations of unlawful interference by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Otu-Jeremi Division, in the forthcoming community chairmanship election.

The allegations, made in a petition, claimed the DPO demanded submission of the delegate list and forced the inclusion of a particular family in the electoral process. However, the community says this is a “gross misrepresentation of facts” aimed at discrediting the Nigeria Police Force and destabilizing the community’s peace.

The statement was jointly signed by Mr Peter Odofejedon
‎Uwedjojevwe as family Chairman and Elder ‎ Francis Gariaga, ‎Eldest Man in Kporo Family which a copy of it was sent to our correspondent on Wednesday 21th January, 2026.

According to the community, the DPO convened a security meeting to ensure law and order ahead of the election, advising all parties to respect the community constitution and avoid actions that could cause a breakdown of peace, adding that the submission of delegate lists to the Police is a normal security verification process.

However, the community denied that the DPO influenced the inclusion of any family, stating the concerned family had formally submitted a nominee to the Screening Committee. “The issue remains an internal community matter, with the Screening Committee rejecting the nominee”, they added.

The community has expressed confidence in the Nigeria Police Force’s professionalism and neutrality, urging the public to disregard the allegations and pursue peace, dialogue, and compliance with electoral guidelines.

They emphasised, “The petition is believed to be politically motivated, aimed at creating tension and undermining security institutions. The community remains committed to a peaceful, transparent, and credible election process”.

Read the full counter petition below

‎COUNTER PETITION / PUBLIC REBUTTAL STATEMENT
‎RE: FALSE AND MISLEADING PETITION AGAINST THE DPO, OTU-JEREMI DIVISION, DELTA STATE
‎We, concerned stakeholders and peace-loving members of Otughievwen Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, strongly refute the false, misleading, and malicious petition currently circulating in the public space alleging unlawful interference by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Otu-Jeremi Division, in the forthcoming community chairmanship election.
The said publication is a gross misrepresentation of facts, calculated to mislead the public, discredit the Nigeria Police Force, and destabilize the peace presently enjoyed in our community.

‎True Position of Events on the said date, the DPO convened a security and stakeholders’ meeting with community leaders, youth representatives, and election stakeholders purely in his constitutional capacity to ensure the maintenance of law and order ahead of the election, especially in view of heightened tension within the community.
The DPO clearly advised all parties to respect the community constitution, observe due process, and avoid any action capable of causing a breakdown of peace and public order.
‎
‎Clarification on Delegate List Allegation

The claim that the DPO unlawfully demanded submission of the delegate list is misleading. Submission of delegate lists to the Police is a normal security verification process aimed at preventing impersonation, delegate forgery, and electoral disruption. This same procedure was adopted during the previous election under the former DPO. Such submission does not confer any authority on the Police to influence or determine delegate selection.
‎
‎Clarification on Alleged Family Inclusion

‎The allegation that the DPO forced the inclusion of a particular family is entirely false. The concerned family initially could not present a nominee due to internal family disagreement but later formally submitted a nominee to the Screening Committee by written communique. The issue remains an internal Family matter, as the Screening Committee is currently rejecting the nominee. At no time did the DPO direct, influence, or interfere in this process.

‎On the Alleged Petition
‎
‎The meeting was cordial, transparent, and peaceful. In line with our cultural traditions, the community extended hospitality to the DPO as a sign of respect. This should not be misconstrued as undue influence or interference.
‎The peace currently enjoyed in Otughievwen Community is largely attributable to the peace accords and conflict-prevention efforts previously brokered by the Police Command, including the former DPO.
‎
‎We strongly believe that the authors of the petition do not represent the collective interest of Otughievwen Community and certainly do not speak for the Kporo Family as claimed.
‎The petition appears politically motivated and calculated to create unnecessary tension, undermine security institutions, and gain unfair advantage in the electoral process.

‎The public is therefore urged to disregard all claims of police interference.

‎Our Position

‎We reaffirm our confidence in the professionalism, neutrality, and constitutional role of the Nigeria Police Force in maintaining security and public order.

‎We urge the general public to disregard the misleading publication and avoid being misinformed.

‎We call on all stakeholders to continue to pursue peace, dialogue, and strict compliance with the community constitution and electoral guidelines.

‎Otughievwen Community remains committed to a peaceful, transparent, and credible election process.
‎
‎Signed:
‎Peter Odofejedon
‎Uwedjojevwe family Chairman
‎
‎Francis Gariaga
‎Eldest Man, Kporo Family