The Enugu State Government has explained its position on two incidents involving the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The incidents occurred at Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the party’s state secretariat in Enugu.
The government alleged that some opposition elements planned to bring armed thugs and bandits into the state. It said the alleged plot was linked to preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, addressed reporters on Sunday. He spoke during a press conference at the Government House in Enugu.
Onyia dismissed reports linking the state government to the incidents of Saturday, October 10, 2026. He said the government had investigated the circumstances surrounding both events.
According to him, the airport confrontation involved the NDC and federal authorities. He also said police were investigating a separate violent clash at the party’s state secretariat.
Onyia further disclosed that arrests had been made over an earlier attack on NDC members. The attack reportedly occurred at Obeagu-Amaechi in August.
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Enugu Airport Incident: Government Gives Account of NDC Rally
According to the SSG, the NDC had announced a “Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off 2026” at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, with the invitation published by the party’s Enugu State chapter and its governorship candidate on Facebook.
Onyia said the police had advised the party to obtain approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). This should be before deploying personnel to the airport for the proposed event.
He added that the government’s findings showed that the party did not obtain the necessary approval to hold a statewide campaign rally at the facility.
The SSG said security agencies consequently advised the organisers to reconsider the event, but the party allegedly proceeded to mobilise its supporters to the airport.
He stated that the attempt to gain entry into the facility resulted in a confrontation between the party members and airport authorities, prompting security agencies to intervene and disperse the crowd to restore order.
Onyia said the account was consistent with the statement issued by the Enugu State Police Command on Sunday.
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NDC Secretariat Attack: Police Investigation Ongoing, SSG Says
On the incident at the NDC state secretariat in the Government Reserved Area (GRA), Enugu, the SSG said security reports confirmed that a violent clash occurred on the same day and was being investigated by the police.
He identified the injured person as Ifeanyi Nworie, 43, who allegedly sustained a gunshot wound during the incident.
According to Onyia, Nworie was taken to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, GRA, where he was stabilised before being transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, for further medical attention.
The government, however, dismissed reports of fatalities arising from the incident.
“We can, therefore, authoritatively report that there were no deaths as falsely claimed by some reports and NDC leaders,” Onyia said.
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Enugu SSG Speaks on Arrests Over Attacks on NDC Members
Responding to questions on whether those behind the attack on the NDC state secretariat had been identified and apprehended, Onyia said police investigations into the incident were still ongoing.
He, however, disclosed that arrests had been made in connection with the August attack on a meeting of NDC members at Obeagu-Amaechi, adding that the police were handling the matter.
The SSG did not provide further details on the number of suspects arrested or their identities.
Why Enugu Government Delayed Statement on NDC Incidents
Asked why the state government waited more than 24 hours before issuing a statement on Saturday’s incidents, Onyia explained that the Mbah administration was an issue-based government rather than a reactionary one.
He said the government needed to establish the facts surrounding the incidents before making an official statement.
The explanation came amid reports and allegations linking the state government to the airport confrontation and the violence at the NDC secretariat.
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Mbah Government Condemns Political Violence, Calls for Issue-Based Campaigns
The SSG reaffirmed Governor Peter Mbah’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Enugu State. He said the government would protect residents regardless of their political affiliations or religious beliefs.
Onyia said peace and security were vital to the state’s economic ambitions. He noted that the government aims to grow Enugu into a $30 billion economy. It also seeks to make the state a preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and living.
He said the administration had invested substantial resources in security. According to him, the government would not tolerate violence, including politically motivated attacks.
Onyia acknowledged residents’ rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly. He also recognised their right to participate in politics. However, he stressed that people must exercise these rights responsibly.
The SSG urged political parties and candidates to maintain decorum ahead of the 2027 general elections. He called for healthy debate and campaigns focused on issues.
Onyia also questioned the NDC’s choice of Akanu Ibiam International Airport for its proposed statewide campaign flag-off. He said the party should have obtained the necessary authorisation before attempting to hold the event at the federal facility.
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Enugu Govt Denies Allegation Against Governor’s Chief Security Officer
The government also challenged allegations that the governor’s Chief Security Officer was present at the NDC secretariat and supervised shooting during the clash.
Onyia maintained that the official was with Governor Mbah at the Teachers Grassroots Movement mega rally at Okpara Square, Enugu, at the time of the incident.
He described the allegation as misleading, insisting that it was intended to implicate the state government in the violence.
The SSG further criticised the reported observance of a minute’s silence for a person he said was still alive, describing the action as an attempt to mislead the public for political advantage.
Enugu Opposition Accused of Exploiting Internal Crises
Onyia alleged that opposition parties in the state had repeatedly attempted to create the impression that Enugu was unsafe and that the government was intolerant of opposing political views.
He argued that internal leadership disputes and factional disagreements within opposition parties had contributed to recurring clashes, which he alleged were subsequently attributed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
The SSG cited the September 12, 2026 incident at Obuofia in Nkanu West Local Government Area as an example, claiming that investigations had identified those responsible and that the suspects were being prosecuted by the police.
He maintained that the government should not be held responsible for disputes arising from internal disagreements within opposition parties.
Enugu Govt Alleges Plot to Import Armed Thugs Ahead of 2027 Elections
Onyia also alleged that some opposition elements planned to recruit armed thugs and bandits. He said they intended to create panic and insecurity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, he did not identify those allegedly involved. He also provided no further details about the purported plot during the press conference.
The SSG warned that the government would not compromise the peace and security achieved in Enugu over the past three years. He said the administration had invested substantial funds in security.
Onyia also praised the sacrifices of security personnel. He insisted that the government would not negotiate away the security gains recorded under the current administration.
Mbah Insists on Citizens’ Democratic Rights Ahead of 2027
The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens’ democratic rights. Rights like the freedom to campaign for and vote for candidates of their choice in the forthcoming general elections.
Onyia said the government believed Governor Peter Mbah’s performance would support his bid for re-election in 2027. He said the administration’s record and delivery on campaign promises should speak for themselves.
He added that the government had no reason to use desperate measures to secure another term. Onyia insisted that free, fair and credible elections should determine who leads Enugu State.
The SSG urged political actors to avoid actions capable of undermining public peace. And to allow the democratic process to determine the state’s political future.
