Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has denied allegations that he ordered the management of Amadeo Event Centre to cancel a venue booking for a town hall meeting organised by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in support of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

In a statement shared on his official social media platforms on Wednesday, Mbah described the allegations as a “preposterous and utter falsehood,” insisting that he did not issue any such directive.

“My attention has just been drawn to a video circulating on some social media platforms, alleging that I gave an order denying a political party use of a private facility for their townhall event. This is preposterous and utter falsehood, because I did not,” Mbah stated.

The governor also accused the opposition of adopting what he described as a “desperate pattern” to attract public attention.

“This is shameful and reveals a desperate pattern adopted by the opposition to attract attention,” he said.

Mbah argued that freedom of expression under democracy does not extend to defamation.

“There’s no doubt that democracy guarantees freedom of expression. It should be noted, however, that it does not grant anyone the right to defamation. Democracy also offers avenues to seek redress. So, let it be known that there are redlines that should never be crossed,” he warned

The governor’s denial followed a SaharaReporters report detailing how the NDC was allegedly left stranded after the management of Amadeo Event Centre withdrew the venue for its planned town hall meeting, scheduled for Thursday, October 29, 2026.

According to the report, the party had paid for the facility, located along the Ebeano Tunnel in Enugu, weeks ahead of the event, which was scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.

However, when NDC leaders reportedly visited the venue on Wednesday afternoon to ensure preparations were in place, the manager informed them that the facility was no longer available.

The report said the venue’s owner, Pastor Ugo Chime, allegedly told NDC officials that he was under intense pressure from the state government not to host the event featuring Obi.

When the party representatives reportedly challenged the cancellation as a breach of contract that could attract legal action, a manager at the facility allegedly claimed that the state government controlled the courts and judges and could frustrate any legal proceedings.

The NDC has rejected Mbah’s denial, insisting that the withdrawal of the venue would not stop its planned engagement with supporters in Enugu.

The party’s governorship candidate in the state, Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, described the alleged last-minute cancellation as another attempt to disrupt opposition activities.

In a press release issued through his media aide, Hon. Sampson Ukwu, the party said the incident was “yet another attempt to disrupt the peaceful political activities of the opposition in Enugu State.”

Ohaa vowed that the party would proceed with the meeting despite the reported difficulties.

“No amount of desperation will stop the will of the people. We will hold our Town Hall Meeting. Peter Obi and Kwankwaso will speak to Ndi Enugu. Those who think they can frustrate us by withdrawing venues at the last minute only expose their fear,” Ohaa stated.

Allegations Follow Previous Reports Of Attacks On Opposition Supporters

Mbah’s warning about “redlines” and defamation comes amid previous reports of attacks on opposition supporters and political gatherings in Enugu State.

As previously reported by SaharaReporters, suspected thugs attacked NDC supporters at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport on October 10, 2026, leaving one person dead.

In September 2026, armed hoodlums reportedly invaded an NDC ward meeting, leaving at least four people injured.

The incidents have raised concerns among opposition figures about the safety of their supporters and their ability to conduct political activities in the state.

The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (InterSociety) has also threatened to push for international sanctions against Mbah and other South-East governors accused of undermining opposition activities.