Opposition Parties Condemn Escalating Political Violence and Administrative Suppression in Enugu

  

In an unprecedented display of inter-party unity, the governorship candidates of major opposition parties in Enugu State have raised the alarm over what they term an escalating pattern of physical attacks, administrative exclusion, and shrinking democratic space ahead of the 2027 general elections.

During a joint press conference held on Monday, October 12, 2026, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji (PDP Governorship Candidate), Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa (NDC Governorship Candidate), and Ozor Obodoeze Ocho (ADC Governorship Candidate) declared that political violence in the state has transcended isolated party grievances. They warned that it now poses a direct threat to public safety and constitutional liberties.

A Chronology of Violence and Tensions

The coalition detailed a troubling series of incidents spanning multiple local government areas since early October, highlighting what they describe as a lack of prompt arrests and public accountability:

• Nkanu West Ward Meetings: The PDP reported violent disruptions at ward meetings in Akpugo, Obe, and Agbani, with accounts of assailants allegedly wearing local government security vests, firing gunshots, and destroying property.
• Obuoffia Attack and Arrest: The NDC petitioned security authorities regarding an armed attack on its ward meeting in Obuoffia, Nkanu West. However, rather than prosecuting the named suspects, the State Government—through the Ministry of Justice—reportedly arrested the star witness, Mr. Chidi S. Ani, on October 5, charging him with cyberbullying and detaining him in Enugu Prison.
• Nsukka Gunfire: Gunshots disrupted the homecoming reception of PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate Chief Ugwu Chijioke Peter in Nsukka on October 3.
• Campaign Office Raids: Chief Nnaji reported that state officials raided his private campaign office on Abakaliki Road, removing promotional materials while a legal challenge against the state’s signage policies was still pending in the Federal High Court.
• Airport and GRA Incidents: On October 10, chaos erupted near the Akanu Ibiam International Airport during a welcome event for Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, resulting in injuries, gunfire, and an assaulted journalist. Violence subsequently followed supporters to Sir Christian's campaign office in GRA, leaving multiple individuals with gunshot wounds.

Administrative Suppression vs. Public Safety

Beyond physical confrontations, the opposition coalition slammed the Enugu State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ENSSAA) for imposing restrictive advertising fees—such as a ₦150 million permit covering rallies and branding across the 17 local government areas—and hefty penalties for unauthorized posters.

While acknowledging that environmental order is important, the candidates argued that these sweeping fees and administrative hurdles effectively place ordinary political expression behind a paywall, creating an uneven playing field for opposition parties.

Government Response Criticized

The opposition strongly rejected the recent defense issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, which attributed the airport incident to federal authorities and alleged that opposition elements planned to import thugs.

The leaders argued that an approval dispute with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) or its private concessionaire, Aero Alliance Limited, does not justify civilian violence or armed attacks. They further challenged the state's narrative, demanding transparent, independent investigations rather than "premature defenses and unproven allegations."

Key Demands and Next Steps

The coalition issued a firm list of demands to restore democratic order in Enugu State:

1. Independent Investigation: The Inspector General of Police is urged to establish an independent investigation team—drawn largely from outside the Enugu State Command—to probe all listed incidents.
2. Fourteen-Day Interim Report: Police are asked to publish an interim report within two weeks detailing evidence, arrests, and charges filed.
3. Suspension of Coercive Enforcement: The state government should suspend the disputed campaign-advertising regime against private political premises and adopt transparent, affordable rules.
4. Comprehensive Public Peace Accord: The coalition invited Governor Peter Mbah and the ruling party to join an enforceable public peace accord featuring equal access to venues, neutral policing, and strict personal accountability for offenders.

"Enugu belongs to all its citizens," the candidates stated in their concluding remarks. "The test is no longer whether government can issue another denial. The test is whether the violence stops, the political space reopens, and offenders face the law."