0
0
Tension reportedly broke out at PTI Junction during a Delta Independence run after participants tore down polo shirts carrying President Bola Tinubu’s image. The incident happened after some runners discovered political messages printed beneath the event branding.
The situation reportedly turned the sports event into a political demonstration, with some participants chanting support for opposition figures. The Delta Independence run Tinubu shirts incident added to political tensions surrounding public events in the Niger Delta.
The event was organised as part of regional celebrations, with registered runners and local youths receiving sports shirts branded “Soft Nigeria.” However, tension reportedly grew when some participants noticed political images supporting President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the shirts.
Delta Independence run Tinubu shirts
Eyewitnesses said some young participants tore the shirts and began protesting while showing support for Labour Party leader Peter Obi. The protest attracted people nearby and reportedly caused traffic delays around Effurun and the Effurun-Warri roads.
The incident happened amid political changes in Delta State. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other PDP leaders moved to the APC in April 2025, ending the PDP’s long-standing control of the state.
Security officers later arrived to restore order and keep the area safe. Organisers reportedly stopped distributing the remaining shirts and ended the sports programme without further ceremonial activities.
No major injuries or official arrests were reported after the Delta Independence run Tinubu shirts incident. Security personnel remained around major junctions in Effurun for the rest of the afternoon.
Click here for more news
