Government blames airport clash on lack of FAAN approval, says police probe secretariat incident
By Anayo Okoli
ENUGU — 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, alleging that the airport confrontation arose from the party’s attempt to hold a rally without the necessary approval.
The government also dismissed reports that the secretariat incident claimed a life, saying one party member, identified as Ifeanyi Nworie, sustained gunshot injuries and was receiving medical attention.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Ọnyia, stated the government’s position while addressing journalists at the Government House, Enugu.
Ọnyia said the government had investigated the circumstances surrounding the incidents after reports allegedly linked it to the attacks.
“The attention of the Enugu State Government has been drawn to the false reports associating it with the Saturday, October 10, 2026 incidents involving the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) and the party’s Enugu State Office at GRA, Enugu,” he said.
According to him, the airport incident was a matter between the NDC and federal authorities, but the state government made inquiries to establish what happened.
He said the NDC had published a notice inviting members and supporters to what it described as its “Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off 2026” at the airport. The notice was also reportedly published on the Facebook page of the party’s governorship candidate in the state.
Ọnyia said the police had advised the party to obtain approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) before security personnel could be deployed to the airport for the event.
He alleged that the party proceeded without securing the required approval.
“Further findings, however, revealed that the NDC did not secure the approval of FAAN to host a grand statewide rally at its facility. Security agencies, therefore, advised the organisers of the rally to rethink it,” he said.
According to the SSG, the party nevertheless mobilised its members to the airport, where an attempt to gain entry into the facility resulted in a confrontation with airport authorities.
He said security agencies intervened and dispersed the party members to restore order around the airport, which he described as a strategic national asset.
Ọnyia said the government’s account was consistent with the statement issued by the Enugu State Police Command on Sunday, October 11.
Police investigating secretariat clash
On the incident at the NDC state secretariat, the SSG said security reports indicated that a violent clash had occurred and that the police were investigating the matter.
He identified the injured party member as Ifeanyi Nworie, 43, who allegedly sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, before being transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, for further treatment.
“We can, therefore, authoritatively report that there were no deaths as falsely claimed by some reports and NDC leaders,” Ọnyia said.
The government condemned political violence and maintained that Governor Peter Mbah’s administration was committed to protecting residents irrespective of their political affiliations.
Ọnyia said the administration’s security investments were intended to sustain peace and create an environment conducive to business, investment and tourism.
He also called on political parties and politicians to embrace peaceful campaigns and issue-based engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Government accuses opposition of political mischief
The SSG questioned the decision to plan a statewide campaign flag-off at the airport without the approval of the relevant authorities.
He also disputed allegations that the governor’s Chief Security Officer was present at the NDC secretariat and supervised the shooting.
According to Ọnyia, the security officer was with Governor Mbah at the Teachers Grassroots Movement rally at Okpara Square, Enugu, at the time of the incident.
He further criticised the opposition for reportedly observing a minute’s silence for a person the government said was alive, describing the action as an attempt to mislead the public.
The government also accused opposition parties in the state of trying to create the impression that Enugu was unsafe and that the administration was intolerant of dissent. These claims were made by the government and were not independently established in the statement.
Ọnyia alleged that the government had uncovered plots by some opposition elements to engage armed thugs and bandits to create panic and insecurity ahead of the 2027 elections.
He did not provide details of the alleged plots in the statement.
The government reiterated its commitment to citizens’ democratic rights, including freedom of association, peaceful assembly, campaigning and voting for candidates of their choice.
It said the right of Enugu residents to elect their leaders through free, fair and credible elections remained central to the democratic process.
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