The Enugu State Government has strongly condemned the recent attacks on members of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC) at two separate locations in Enugu. According to Chidiebere Onyia, the secretary to the Enugu State Government (SSG), the incidents occurred at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the NDC State Secretariat in the Government Reserved Area, Enugu, on Saturday. The government has assured that it is taking steps to establish what transpired during the incidents.
The first incident occurred at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, where the NDC had planned to hold its “Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off 2026” event. However, the party failed to obtain approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), leading to a face-off between party members and airport authorities. Security agencies intervened to restore order, but no one was injured or killed during the incident. The government has described the event as a matter between the party and federal authorities.
The second incident occurred at the NDC state secretariat, where a violent clash broke out, resulting in a 43-year-old man, Ifeanyi Nworie, sustaining a gunshot wound. The government has confirmed that Nworie was rushed to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital and later transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital for further examination. Contrary to reports, the government has stated that no one died during the incidents, describing the claims as false.
The Enugu State Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, regardless of political affiliation. Governor Peter Mbah's administration has invested heavily in security to sustain peace and create an enabling environment for investment and economic development. The government has welcomed healthy debate, freedom of association, and peaceful assembly, but emphasized that these rights must be exercised responsibly.
The government has also dismissed allegations that the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the governor supervised the shooting at the NDC secretariat. According to the SSG, the governor's CSO was with Governor Mbah at the Teachers' Grassroots Movement mega rally held at Okpara Square, Enugu, at the time of the incident. The government has accused some opposition figures of attempting to portray Enugu as unsafe and the government as intolerant of political opposition.
The SSG has alleged that internal leadership disputes among opposition parties sometimes lead to violent clashes, which the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is later blamed for. The government cited a recent incident at Obuofia in Nkanu West Local Government Area, where suspects have been identified and are being prosecuted by the police. The government has also uncovered plans by some opposition elements to recruit armed thugs and bandits to create insecurity in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Enugu State Government has expressed confidence that Governor Mbah's performance will earn him re-election in 2027, and has no reason to undermine opposition activities. The government has urged political parties to be models of good conduct and politicians to embrace decorum and issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections. The government remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.
Key points
- The Enugu State Government has condemned the attacks on NDC members and denied reports of a fatality.
- The government has emphasized its commitment to protecting lives and property, and has accused some opposition figures of attempting to portray Enugu as unsafe.
- The government has uncovered plans by some opposition elements to recruit armed thugs and bandits to create insecurity in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
