Enugu government accuses opposition of plot to import thugs ahead of 2027 elections

Politics

ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — The Enugu State Government has alleged that some opposition elements are planning to bring armed thugs and bandits into the state to create panic and portray the state as insecure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, made the allegation on Sunday during a press conference at the Government House, Enugu, while addressing Saturday’s incidents involving the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) at Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the party’s state secretariat.

Onyia denied any involvement of the state government or Governor Peter Mbah’s Chief Security Officer, Ifeanyi Osondu, in either incident. He described the airport confrontation as a matter between the NDC and federal authorities, while noting that the shooting at the party’s secretariat was under police investigation.

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Airport Confrontation

According to the SSG, the government’s preliminary findings indicated that the airport incident followed the NDC’s attempt to hold what it called a “Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off 2026” at the facility without obtaining approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

He said the party had publicised the event and invited members and supporters, including through the Facebook page of its governorship candidate in Enugu State.

Onyia explained that the police had advised the party to obtain FAAN’s approval before security personnel could be deployed to the airport for the event.

“Further findings, however, revealed that the NDC did not secure the approval of FAAN to host a grand statewide rally at its facility. Security agencies, therefore, advised the organisers of the rally to rethink it,” he said.

The SSG alleged that the party proceeded to mobilise supporters to the airport and attempted to gain entry, leading to a confrontation with airport authorities.

He said security agencies intervened to disperse what he described as “riotous” party members and restore order around the airport, which he characterised as a strategic national asset.

Onyia added that the government’s account was consistent with a statement issued by the Enugu State Police Command on Sunday.

Government Disputes Fatality Reports After Secretariat Shooting

Addressing the shooting incident at the NDC state secretariat in the GRA area of Enugu, Onyia said security reports indicated that a violent clash had occurred at the party’s office and that the police were investigating the matter.

He disputed reports of fatalities, claiming that the government’s findings indicated that nobody had died in the incident.

According to him, a 43-year-old man identified as Ifeanyi Nworie sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, where he was stabilised before being transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, for further examination.

“We can, therefore, authoritatively report that there were no deaths as falsely claimed by some reports and NDC leaders,” Onyia said.

The SSG also rejected allegations that Osondu was present at the secretariat and supervised the shooting. He maintained that the governor’s security chief was with Mbah at the Teachers Grassroots Movement mega rally at Okpara Square, Enugu, when the incident occurred.

Onyia further criticised reports of a minute’s silence being observed for an individual he claimed was still alive, describing the action as an attempt to mislead the public for political advantage.

Reaffirming the government’s position, the SSG said Mbah had sworn to protect the lives and property of all residents, regardless of their religious beliefs or political affiliations.

He said the administration remained committed to its development agenda.