By Isaac Mission
The Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned an alleged attack on its members during a political meeting in the state, describing the incident as an attempt to intimidate opposition supporters.
The party said the incident occurred at Ihuani Awkunanaw in Obuofia, Nkanu Local Government Area of Enugu State, an area identified as the ancestral home of the Awkunanaw people and the hometown of its 2027 governorship candidate, Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa.
According to a statement issued by Hon. Sampson Ukwu, media aide to Ohaa, party members had assembled for the monthly ward meeting when suspected political thugs allegedly stormed the venue and opened fire.
The statement said eight party members sustained gunshot injuries during the incident.
Those identified as injured were Onovo Donald Ekene, Ngene Godwin Madueke, Ogbodo Gloria, Onovo Victor, Maduabuchi Ugwu, Nnaemeka Nelson, Chinonso Nwagbara and Obinna Daniel Owo.
Ukwu also alleged that the attackers destroyed party property, including canopies, chairs and other materials at the meeting venue.
The NDC described the incident as part of what it considers a worrying pattern of attacks on opposition gatherings in Enugu.
The party's spokesman referenced previous alleged disruptions at political meetings in Akpugo and Obe wards in Nkanu West Local Government Area, where gunfire and destruction of property were also reportedly recorded.
Reacting to the latest incident, the party maintained that citizens have a constitutional right to life, peaceful assembly and political association.
It cited Sections 33 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which respectively protect the right to life and the freedom of citizens to assemble and associate, including through political parties.
The party argued that political disagreements should not be settled through violence or intimidation, insisting that anyone involved in the alleged shooting should be identified and prosecuted.
The NDC called on the Enugu State Police Command, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to commence an immediate investigation into the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
“The lives of our members matter,” the party stated.
Ohaa also appealed to members of the NDC in Enugu to remain committed to their political activities despite the alleged attack.
He assured supporters that the party would continue what he described as a peaceful and issue-driven campaign ahead of the 2027 election.
“We will not be intimidated. We will not abandon our people. We will continue our peaceful and issue-based campaign until the will of Ndi Enugu prevails in 2027,” Ohaa said.
He concluded with a strong warning against further violence, saying, “Enough of this madness.”
