Enugu government denies role in attack on NDC members

The Enugu state government has denied involvement in Saturday’s incidents involving members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the party’s state secretariat in Enugu.

The government attributed the airport confrontation to the party’s alleged failure to obtain approval for a planned rally, while saying the police were investigating the violence at the secretariat.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, stated the government’s position while addressing journalists at the Government House, Enugu, following reports linking the administration to the incidents of October 10, 2026.

Onyia said the government made inquiries into the incidents and maintained that the airport confrontation involved the NDC and federal authorities responsible for the facility.

Airport clash over rally approval

According to the SSG, the NDC had announced a “Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off 2026” at the airport through its state chapter and the Facebook page of its governorship candidate.

He alleged that the party failed to obtain the necessary approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) before mobilising its members to the facility.

Onyia said the police had advised the organisers to secure FAAN’s authorisation before security personnel could be deployed for the event.

He added that the party proceeded with the mobilisation despite the advice, resulting in a confrontation with airport authorities when members allegedly attempted to gain entry into the facility.

The SSG said security agencies intervened and dispersed the party members to restore order, describing the airport as a strategic national asset.

He maintained that the government’s account was consistent with the statement issued by the Enugu State Police Command on Sunday.

Police investigate secretariat violence

On the reported violence at the NDC state secretariat in the GRA area of Enugu, Onyia said security reports indicated that a clash had occurred and that the police were investigating the incident.

He identified an injured party member as Ifeanyi Nworie, 43, who allegedly sustained a gunshot wound during the confrontation.

According to him, Nworie was taken to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, before being transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, for further treatment.

The SSG dismissed reports that the incident resulted in a death, insisting that no fatality had been recorded.

“We can, therefore, authoritatively report that there were no deaths as falsely claimed by some reports and NDC leaders,” Onyia said.

He also denied allegations that Governor Peter Mbah’s Chief Security Officer was present at the secretariat and supervised the shooting.

Onyia claimed that the security officer was with the governor at the Teachers Grassroots Movement rally at Okpara Square, Enugu, when the incident occurred.

Government calls for peaceful campaigns

The state government condemned political violence and reiterated its commitment to protecting residents irrespective of their political affiliations.

Onyia said the administration’s investments in security were aimed at sustaining peace and creating an environment conducive to business, investment and tourism.

He urged political parties and politicians to embrace peaceful campaigns and issue-based engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The SSG also accused opposition parties of attempting to portray Enugu as unsafe and the state government as intolerant of dissent.

He cited the September 12 incident at Obuofia in Nkanu West Local Government Area, alleging that opposition factions had attempted to blame the All Progressives Congress (APC) for internal disputes. He said those identified in connection with the incident were being prosecuted by the police.

Onyia further alleged that the government had uncovered plans by some opposition elements to engage armed thugs and bandits to create panic and insecurity ahead of the 2027 elections. He did not provide specific details of the alleged plot.

The government reaffirmed residents’ rights to freedom of association, peaceful assembly, political campaigning and voting, saying the right of citizens to elect their leaders through free, fair and credible elections remained central to the democratic process.