The Enugu State Government has accused some opposition elements of allegedly planning to bring armed thugs and bandits into the state to create panic and undermine public confidence in security ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, made the allegation on Sunday during a press conference at the Government House in Enugu.
He was responding to two incidents involving the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC): a confrontation at Akanu Ibiam International Airport and a shooting incident at the party’s state secretariat.
Onyia, however, did not publicly identify the opposition figures allegedly involved in the purported plan to import armed groups. The allegation had not been independently verified.
Government Denies Involvement in NDC Incidents
The SSG denied claims that the state government or Governor Peter Mbah’s Chief Security Officer, Ifeanyi Osondu, was involved in either incident.
On the airport confrontation, Onyia said preliminary findings indicated that the NDC had attempted to organise a statewide campaign flag-off at the facility without obtaining approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
He claimed that security agencies had advised the party to secure the necessary authorisation before proceeding with the event.
According to him, the situation escalated when party members reportedly attempted to gain access to the airport, prompting security personnel to intervene.
Onyia maintained that the confrontation was a matter involving the party and federal airport authorities, rather than an operation directed by the Enugu State Government.
Police Investigate Shooting at Party Secretariat
Addressing the shooting at the NDC secretariat in the GRA area of Enugu, Onyia said a violent clash had occurred and that the police were investigating the incident.
He disputed reports that anyone had died, stating that the government’s preliminary findings indicated that no fatality had occurred.
The SSG identified the injured man as 43-year-old Ifeanyi Nworie, who reportedly sustained a gunshot wound. He said Nworie was initially stabilised at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital before being transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Enugu for further examination.
Onyia also denied allegations that Osondu was present at the secretariat during the shooting, claiming that the official was accompanying the governor at a political rally at Okpara Square.
The police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and determine whether anyone should face charges.
Mbah’s Administration Calls for Peaceful Campaigns
The state government said maintaining peace and security was essential to its ambition of developing Enugu into a $30 billion economy and attracting investment.
Onyia urged political parties and their candidates to conduct issue-based campaigns and avoid actions capable of triggering violence or heightening political tensions.
He also accused some opposition elements of attempting to portray Enugu as insecure for political advantage, an allegation that was not independently established.
The government maintained that it was committed to protecting the rights of residents, including freedom of association, peaceful assembly and participation in the 2027 elections.
With political activities intensifying ahead of the polls, the allegations surrounding the NDC incidents have added to tensions in the state. The outcome of the police investigation and any response from the affected opposition figures will be important in clarifying the disputed accounts.
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