The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Enugu State chapter, has condemned alleged attack on its members by suspected political thugs, vowing to resist a repeat occurrence.

Similarly, Enugu State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has expressed concern over reported growing pre-election violence in the state.

NDC complained that the attack on its members occurred at Ihuani Awkunanaw in Obuofia, Nkanu Council Area, Enugu State, the ancestral home of the Awkunanaw people and the hometown of the party’s candidate, Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa.

In a statement signed by Hon. Sampson Ukwu, media aide to Ohaa, he said members had gathered for the state-wide monthly ward meeting when hoodlums invaded the venue and opened fire on peaceful party faithfuls.

Eight persons who sustained gunshot injuries were identified as Onovo Donald Ekene, Ngene Godwin Madueke, Ogbodo Gloria, Onovo Victor, Maduabuchi Ugwu, Nnaemeka Nelson, Chinonso Nwagbara and Obinna Daniel Owo.

According to Ohaa’s spokesman, “Canopies, chairs, and party materials were also vandalized and destroyed in the process.

“This is a clear act of political thuggery and an attempt to intimidate members of the opposition through violence. It follows a disturbing pattern of similar attacks earlier witnessed in Akpugo and Obe wards in Nkanu West Council Area, where peaceful political gatherings were disrupted with gunfire and destruction of property.

“We strongly condemn this barbaric act.

“Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) provides that: ‘Every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria’.

“Section 40 of the same Constitution further guarantees that: ‘Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests…’

“No political party or group of hoodlums has the right to turn the streets of Enugu into a battlefield or to attack citizens for exercising their constitutional rights. Those who resort to shooting innocent people simply because they belong to a different political organisation must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted without delay.”

The party called on the Enugu State Police Command, the Department of State Services, DSS, and all relevant security agencies to immediately investigate this attack, fish out the perpetrators, and bring them to justice.

“The lives of our members matter,” the party insisted.

While urging the security agencies to apprehend and prosecute the culprits, Ohaa charged “the entire NDC family in Enugu State to remain undeterred”.

“We will not be intimidated. We will not abandon our people. We will continue our peaceful and issue-based campaign until the will of Ndi Enugu prevails in 2027.

“Enough of this madness,” he declared.

The PDP also alleged its
members attacked in different parts of the state.

Reacting to the development, a chieftain of the party, Chief Basil Ani, warned that the growing political tension could affect President Bola Tinubu’s popularity in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ani said growing anger over alleged attacks on PDP members and supporters was increasingly being transferred to the Federal Government and, by extension, the President.

He warned that the
situation could trigger a protest vote against Tinubu if the Federal Government was perceived as failing to intervene in the alleged political violence.

According to him, what began largely as opposition to the administration of Governor Peter Mbah was gradually assuming a wider dimension, with some opposition politicians, traditional rulers and other citizens questioning the Federal Government’s response to developments in the state.

Ani cited alleged attacks on PDP activities in different parts of the state, including a ward meeting at Akpugo Ward 3 on August 16 and another meeting at Obe Ward, Nkanu West Local Government Area, on August 29.

He also referred to alleged attacks on two PDP ward meetings on Saturday, September 12, during which more than eight people were reportedly shot and injured, while property was destroyed.

“The allegations are grave and raise a much larger question: Can citizens freely participate in political activities in Enugu State without fear of violence or intimidation?” he asked.

Ani said the incidents had generated concern among political stakeholders, particularly against the backdrop of what he described as the absence of publicly known arrests or decisive action over the alleged attacks.

He urged security and law-enforcement agencies to investigate the incidents and prosecute anyone found culpable, irrespective of political affiliation.

The PDP chieftain said the Federal Government should not view the situation through the narrow prism of the rivalry between the PDP and the All Progressives Congress, APC, but as an issue concerning democratic stability.

“If PDP members are attacked, investigate it. If APC members are attacked, investigate it. If supporters of any other political party are attacked, investigate it,” he said.

Ani further warned that traditional rulers and religious leaders could influence the political calculations of their communities if they became convinced that the Federal Government was indifferent to the alleged victimisation of their people.

He claimed that some of the traditional rulers had reportedly told their subjects that if the President allowed the situation to continue unchecked, voters should consider expressing their displeasure at the ballot box in 2027.

Ani said the emergence of Chief Uche Nnaji as a major opposition figure and PDP governorship candidate had further intensified the political contest in the state.

He noted that perception could become as politically consequential as established facts, particularly where allegations remained unresolved.

“The President does not need to take sides in the Enugu political contest. He needs to take the side of democracy,” Ani said.

He warned that unresolved allegations, political violence and perceived official indifference could become major issues before the electorate in the 2027 elections.

“The warning signs are already visible. The question is whether Abuja is paying attention,” he said.