The African Democratic Congress, the Nigeria Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party have condemned alleged attacks on opposition parties in Enugu State. They warned that democracy in the state was heading towards anarchy. They called on security agencies and the Federal Government to intervene. They made the condemnation at a joint press conference at the Press Centre, Enugu, on Monday.
Enugu has seen political violence in recent months. In September, NDC members were attacked at a campaign event. In October, the party’s ward chairman was killed. The 2027 election is approaching. The state is governed by the PDP. The NDC has gained ground. The APC controls the presidency but not the state. The violence reflects competition without institutional restraint.
The NDC governorship candidate, Chinyeaka Ohaa, alleged that he and his supporters were attacked on Saturday while returning from Akanu Ibiam International Airport. He said several supporters sustained injuries. Vehicles were damaged. Mobile phones belonging to journalists and party members were seized. He alleged that security operatives prevented his supporters from accessing the airport and blocked his convoy at different locations. The attackers followed his convoy to the party’s campaign office, where another attack allegedly occurred.
Ohaa said eight party supporters were injured in a previous attack, including a woman who sustained a gunshot wound to her breast and a man who underwent surgery after abdominal injuries. He urged the state government to investigate.
The PDP governorship candidate, Uche Nnaji, described the attacks as unacceptable. He said opposition parties had come together to express solidarity. “Politics is not a do-or-die affair,” he said. “Nobody should be harassed or killed because of political differences.”
The ADC governorship candidate, Ocho Obodoeze, expressed solidarity. He alleged his party had suffered similar attacks and received death threats reported to the DSS.
The Enugu State Government denied involvement. The Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, said the airport incident was a matter between NDC members and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria over an approval issue.
Winners: The opposition, which gains solidarity. Security agencies, if they investigate. The media, which gains a story. Losers: Injured supporters. Opposition parties, which face intimidation. Enugu voters, who face a climate of fear. The state government, whose denial is contested. Democracy, which suffers.
Bottom Line: Three parties condemned attacks in Enugu. They say democracy is heading towards anarchy. The state government denies involvement. The police have not announced arrests. The 2027 campaign is violent. Enugu deserves better.