The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) over its response to the Enugu State Government’s account of the airport and party secretariat incidents at the weekend. The APC said individuals and institutions that claim integrity should admit their mistakes and apologise to the public. It accused the opposition party of misleading Nigerians for political gain.
The Enugu NDC had earlier challenged some claims in the state government’s account of the incidents. Its State Chairman, Emmanuel Chukwujekwu Nebo, addressed a press conference in Enugu following a Sunday briefing by Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia. The NDC disputed the government’s description of its planned activity at Akanu Ibiam International Airport.
The opposition party maintained that it planned a reception for its governorship candidate, Chinyeaka Ohaa, rather than a grand statewide campaign flag-off. It also said it notified law enforcement agencies about the event and paid the required fees to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Regarding the alleged shooting at its state secretariat, the NDC said it was still verifying the final medical status of all injured persons.
Enugu APC Questions NDC’s Minute of Silence
Responding to the NDC, Enugu APC Publicity Secretary Chief Uche Obute demanded an unreserved apology to the people of Enugu State and Nigerians. He accused the opposition party of lying for political gain. Obute questioned why the NDC observed a minute’s silence while it was still verifying the medical status of those reportedly injured.
“The question is: since the NDC was still verifying the final medical status of person or persons injured in their party fracas, how come they declared and observed a minute’s silence to mourn the living?” Obute asked.
He alleged that the incident reflected what he described as a pattern within the Enugu NDC of orchestrating internal violence and blaming the APC. According to him, the party sought to gain political advantage from the controversy. He also accused Ohaa and the NDC of pursuing power at any cost.
These claims represent the APC’s position and were not independently established in the party’s response.
APC Disputes NDC’s Account of Airport Event
Obute also challenged the NDC’s claim that it planned only a reception for its governorship candidate. He cited a screenshot of a Facebook post by Ohaa as evidence supporting the APC’s position. According to Obute, the promotional material described the event as a grand statewide campaign flag-off.
“Promotional materials and posts by Ohaa clearly read, ‘Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off 2026. Date: Saturday, 10th October 2026; Venue: Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu; Time: 9:00am,’” he said.
The APC argued that the post contradicted the NDC’s explanation of the planned activity. However, the party’s statement did not independently establish the circumstances surrounding the airport confrontation or the reported shooting at the NDC secretariat.
APC Praises Mbah Administration
The Enugu APC commended Governor Peter Mbah’s administration for what it described as its commitment to democratic rights and freedoms. The party said the government respected the rights of Enugu residents regardless of their political affiliations. It urged opposition parties to avoid actions that could heighten political tension.
“Rather than stoking political tension to undermine the security and peace built by the Mbah Administration, we advise the Enugu opposition parties to present their manifestoes and campaign on them,” Obute said.
The latest exchange follows competing accounts of the incidents involving the NDC at the airport and its state secretariat. The parties have offered differing explanations, while the circumstances surrounding the reported violence remain matters for investigation.
