The Enugu state chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has demanded international sanctions against individuals allegedly responsible for political violence in the state. In a petition to the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), INTERPOL, and several international organizations, the party cited an alleged attack on its ward meeting in Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area. The incident reportedly injured several members, including the Ward Chairman, Madueke Ngene, and Youth Leader, Maduka Ngene.
The NDC appealed to the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, African Union, ECOWAS, Commonwealth Secretariat, and United Nations human-rights authorities to monitor the situation and impose visa restrictions, travel bans, or other measures against those found responsible. The party described the incident as an attack on political participation and called for an independent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The alleged attack was led by a man identified as Odogwu, a Senior Special Assistant to the Nkanu West Local Government Chairman, Hon. John Chukwuma Ogbodo.
The NDC made further allegations against the council chairman, claiming he went to the airport to welcome suspects and took photographs with them after they were questioned by security operatives. The party described this as a "public display of solidarity with violence" and urged security agencies to investigate. The NDC alleged that the Obuoffia incident was part of a wider pattern of disruption of opposition activities, citing attacks on PDP gatherings in Akpugo and Obe.
The party urged the Inspector-General of Police, DSS, and INTERPOL to conduct an immediate and independent investigation and prosecute anyone found culpable. The NDC also appealed to international bodies to monitor political developments in Enugu and take measures against individuals who sponsored or participated in violence. The party warned that further attacks on opposition members would undermine democratic participation and create an atmosphere of fear ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Enugu State Police Command confirmed that armed hoodlums disrupted an NDC ward meeting at Ndiuno-Obuoffia, with sporadic shooting that injured two attendees, and ordered an investigation into the incident. However, the allegations against the individuals named by the NDC have not been independently established. The incident occurred in the home ward of the NDC's governorship candidate, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, who is currently abroad on an official trip.
Ohaa remained committed to democratic participation despite the alleged attack, saying that "authority is built on public trust and service, not fear." The NDC State Secretary, Hon. Nebo Chukwujekwu Emmanuel, warned against further escalation of political violence, calling for justice, accountability, and protection for opposition members and political gatherings across Enugu State.
The NDC's call for international sanctions highlights concerns about the potential for violence to undermine democratic processes in Nigeria. The party's demands will be closely watched by international observers and Nigerian citizens as the country prepares for the 2027 elections.
Key points
- The NDC party has called for international sanctions against individuals responsible for alleged political violence in Enugu state.
- The alleged attack on the NDC ward meeting injured several members, including the Ward Chairman and Youth Leader.
- The incident has sparked concerns about the potential for violence to undermine democratic processes in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections.
