A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Basil Ani, has warned that rising political tension and alleged attacks on opposition supporters in Enugu State could affect President Bola Tinubu’s standing in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ani said growing anger over alleged attacks on PDP members and supporters was increasingly being directed at the Federal Government, particularly if authorities were perceived as failing to respond adequately to the incidents.
The PDP chieftain referred to reported attacks on party activities in different parts of Enugu, including meetings in Akpugo and Obe in August. He also cited an incident on September 12, when separate political gatherings in Nkanu West Local Government Area were reportedly disrupted, with more than eight people said to have sustained gunshot injuries and property damaged.
Ani urged security and law-enforcement agencies to investigate the reported incidents and prosecute anyone found responsible, regardless of political affiliation.
He argued that the Federal Government should treat the issue as one concerning democratic participation and public safety rather than merely as a dispute between the PDP and the All Progressives Congress.
“If PDP members are attacked, investigate it. If APC members are attacked, investigate it. If supporters of any other political party are attacked, investigate it,” Ani said.
He also expressed concern that traditional rulers, religious leaders and other community figures could become increasingly involved in the political debate if they believed the Federal Government was indifferent to allegations of violence or intimidation.
Ani said the emergence of former minister Uche Nnaji as a major opposition figure and PDP governorship candidate had further intensified political competition in the state.
Meanwhile, the Enugu State chapter of the APC has denied allegations linking the party or Governor Peter Mbah’s administration to the reported violence. The party has called for a thorough and impartial investigation and said anyone found culpable should face prosecution.
The Enugu State Police Command has also ordered investigations into reported disruptions of political gatherings in Nkanu West, with authorities expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents and identify those responsible.
Ani maintained that the Federal Government should not take sides in Enugu’s political contest but should ensure that citizens are able to participate in political activities without fear of violence or intimidation.
