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The Enugu state government has accused some opposition elements of plotting to bring armed thugs and bandits into the state to cause panic and insecurity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The government also blamed the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the confrontations at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the party’s state secretariat in Enugu on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, made the allegations on Sunday during a press conference at the Government House, Enugu, while responding to reports linking the state government to the incidents.
Airport confrontation
Onyia said the airport confrontation followed the NDC’s alleged attempt to organise a statewide campaign flag-off at the facility without obtaining approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
According to him, the party had publicised its “Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off 2026” through its state chapter and the social media page of its governorship candidate.
He said the police had advised the party to secure FAAN’s approval before officers could be deployed to the airport for the event.
The SSG, however, alleged that the party proceeded to mobilise members to the facility despite failing to obtain the required authorisation.
“The attempt to forcibly gain entry into the facility resulted in a faceoff between them and the airport authorities,” he said.
Onyia added that security agencies intervened and dispersed the party members to restore order, describing the development as consistent with the statement issued by the Enugu State Police Command.
Government denies death at NDC secretariat
Addressing the violence reported at the NDC state secretariat in the GRA area of Enugu, Onyia said the police were investigating the incident.
He disclosed that a 43-year-old man, Ifeanyi Nworie, sustained a gunshot wound during the clash and was taken to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, before being transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, for further examination.
The SSG insisted that no death was recorded during the incident, dismissing reports and claims by NDC leaders that people had died.
He also denied allegations that the governor’s Chief Security Officer was present at the party secretariat and supervised the shooting.
According to him, the security officer was with Governor Peter Mbah at the Teachers Grassroots Movement mega rally at Okpara Square, Enugu, when the incident occurred.
Onyia further criticised the party for allegedly observing a minute’s silence for a person he claimed was still alive, describing the action as an attempt to mislead the public and attract political sympathy.
Opposition accused of fuelling insecurity claims
The state government condemned political violence and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the lives and property of residents, irrespective of their political affiliations.
It also accused opposition parties in the state of repeatedly portraying Enugu as unsafe and the Mbah administration as intolerant of dissent.
Onyia cited the September 12, 2026 incident at Obuofia in Nkanu West Local Government Area as another example of what he described as attempts by opposition factions to blame the All Progressives Congress (APC) for internal disputes.
He claimed that investigations had identified those responsible for the incident and that they were being prosecuted by the police.
The SSG further alleged that the state government had uncovered plans by some opposition elements to recruit armed thugs and bandits to create insecurity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, he did not provide specific details or evidence of the alleged plot during the press conference.
Onyia maintained that the state government would not allow the peace and security it said had been recorded over the past three years to be undermined by political activities ahead of the elections.
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