The Enugu State governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Chinyeaka Christian Ohaa, has challenged state government to explain why opposition political parties and candidates should allegedly face restrictions and intimidation while exercising their democratic rights in the state.Nigerian news analysis

Ohaa, in a statement issued on Monday, November 9, questioned whether Mbah encountered similar obstacles during his 2022 governorship campaign, asking whether he paid ₦150million to erect campaign billboards, was prevented from using public facilities, or had his campaign team attacked and intimidated.

The NDC candidate accused the state government of creating an atmosphere capable of discouraging opposition political activities, insisting that democracy must not become a privilege reserved for politicians in power.

“My people, they may try to frustrate us, intimidate us and create obstacles on our path, but let one thing be clear: our determination is stronger than their intimidation, and our commitment to the people is greater than any obstacle they can put before us,” Ohaa said.

He specifically challenged Mbah to address three questions concerning his political experience before becoming governor.

“In 2022, when you were campaigning to become Governor of Enugu State: Did you pay ₦150 million to erect your campaign billboards?

“Did the government of the day stop you from using public facilities for your campaign activities? Was your campaign team attacked, harassed, or intimidated for exercising their democratic rights?” he asked.

Ohaa further questioned why political freedoms enjoyed by Mbah during his campaign should be denied to other candidates seeking the mandate of Enugu residents.

“If you enjoyed the freedom to campaign and present your vision to the people in 2022, why should that same freedom be denied to others today?” he queried.

He maintained that democratic principles require equal treatment of political parties, regardless of whether they are in government or opposition.

“Democracy is not a privilege reserved for those in government. It is a right that belongs to every citizen and every political party. The same rules, opportunities and freedoms must apply to everyone,” he added.

The NDC candidate also urged his supporters and residents of the state not to surrender to what he described as attempts to discourage their political participation.

“To our supporters and well-meaning people of Enugu State, do not lose hope. Do not be discouraged. Do not allow anyone to make you believe that your voices do not matter,” he said.

Ohaa vowed that his political movement would continue to challenge what he considers injustice and defend the democratic rights of residents.

“We will stand firm. We will remain focused. We will continue to speak for the people, stand for justice, and defend the democratic rights of our citizens,” he declared.

“Our strength is in the people, our courage is in our convictions, and our hope is in a better Enugu. We are coming, and we are coming with full force. The people must have a voice, and that voice must never be silenced.”

Ohaa broadened his criticism of the issues affecting communities and economic groups in the state, referring to people whose lands were allegedly taken without compensation or resettlement and granite sellers who, he claimed, have been subjected to taxation.

He said the concerns extended beyond the immediate political contest, suggesting that affected landowners and people engaged in granite sales were also among those with grievances against the authorities.

He said, “They will know that it is not only Chinyeaka Ohaa that is coming. It is those people whose lands were taken without compensation and resettlement.

“Those people who are selling groundnut and they are being taxed. Those are the people who are going to be the governor.

“Those people that will act with the judiciary. Those are the people who are going to work for the government. The power belongs to the people.”