NDC Condemns Enugu Attack, Demands Arrest Of Suspects

By Ify Okoli

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Enugu State chapter, has condemned an alleged attack on its members during a party meeting in Nkanu Council Area, demanding an immediate investigation and prosecution of those responsible.

The incident reportedly happened at Ihuani Awkunanaw in Obuofia, the ancestral home of the Awkunanaw people and hometown of the party’s candidate, Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa.

The party said its members had gathered for a state-wide monthly ward meeting when suspected political thugs allegedly stormed the venue and opened fire.

Eight members were reportedly injured in the shooting. They were identified as Onovo Donald Ekene, Ngene Godwin Madueke, Ogbodo Gloria, Onovo Victor, Maduabuchi Ugwu, Nnaemeka Nelson, Chinonso Nwagbara and Obinna Daniel Owo.

The party also said canopies, chairs and other materials belonging to the organisation were damaged during the incident.

In a statement signed by Hon. Sampson Ukwu, media aide to Ohaa, the party described the incident as an attempt to use violence to frighten opposition supporters and disrupt their political activities.

The NDC alleged that the incident was part of a wider pattern, referring to previous disruptions at political gatherings in Akpugo and Obe wards in Nkanu West Council Area.

It said political disagreements should not be allowed to turn into violence, particularly where citizens were exercising their constitutional rights to meet, associate and participate in political activities.

The party cited Sections 33 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which protect the right to life and the freedom of citizens to assemble and associate, including through political parties.

It called on the Enugu State Police Command, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to establish what happened, identify those responsible and bring them before the courts.

“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,” the statement said.

The party also urged security agencies to act quickly, stressing that the safety of its members should not become a casualty of political competition.

Ohaa, while reacting to the incident, called on NDC supporters across Enugu State to remain calm but determined.

He said the alleged attack would not stop the party from pursuing its political campaign or engaging voters on issues affecting the state.

“We will not be intimidated. We will not abandon our people,” Ohaa said, adding that the party would continue with what he described as a peaceful and issue-based campaign ahead of the 2027 elections.

The party’s demand now places pressure on security agencies to investigate the reported shooting, establish the circumstances surrounding the violence and determine whether anyone should face criminal charges.

For the NDC, the immediate concern remains the safety of its members and the need to prevent political gatherings from becoming targets for violence as the 2027 election season approaches.