By Isaac Mission
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Basil Ani, has warned that rising political tension and alleged attacks on opposition supporters in Enugu State could negatively affect President Bola Tinubu’s electoral prospects in the state in 2027.
Ani, in a statement issued on Sunday, said dissatisfaction arising from alleged violence against PDP members was gradually extending beyond the state government and being directed towards the Federal Government.
He cautioned that if the situation persists without a convincing response from the authorities, affected voters could channel their grievances into a protest vote during the 2027 presidential election.
According to him, the political disagreement initially centred largely on opposition to the administration of Governor Peter Mbah but was increasingly taking on a broader dimension as politicians and residents questioned the Federal Government’s response to the alleged incidents.
Ani referred to reported attacks on PDP activities in parts of Enugu East and the alleged disruption of two ward meetings on September 12, during which more than eight people were reportedly injured and political materials damaged.
He questioned whether citizens could participate freely in political activities if they feared being attacked because of their political affiliation.
The PDP chieftain also expressed concern over what he described as the absence of publicly confirmed arrests or sufficiently decisive action following some of the reported incidents.
He called on security agencies to investigate the allegations thoroughly and prosecute anyone found responsible, regardless of the political party involved.
Ani urged the Federal Government to approach the issue from the standpoint of protecting democracy rather than treating it simply as a confrontation between the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He said every reported attack involving political supporters should receive the same attention from law-enforcement agencies.
“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,” he said.
The PDP chieftain further argued that traditional rulers and religious leaders could influence the political decisions of their communities if they concluded that the government was unconcerned about alleged attacks on their people.
He claimed that some traditional and religious leaders who had previously supported political arrangements connected with Tinubu’s 2027 re-election efforts were now reconsidering their positions amid the unfolding situation.
According to Ani, some traditional rulers had allegedly advised their subjects to use the 2027 elections to express their dissatisfaction if the Federal Government failed to address the situation.
He also said the emergence of Uche Nnaji as a prominent opposition figure and PDP governorship candidate had added another layer to the increasingly competitive political environment in Enugu.
Ani maintained that public perception could significantly influence voting decisions, particularly where allegations of misconduct or violence remained unresolved.
“The President does not need to take sides in the Enugu political contest. He needs to take the side of democracy,” he said.
He warned that continued political violence, unresolved allegations and perceptions of government indifference could become significant campaign issues ahead of the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, the Enugu State Police Command has ordered an investigation into two separate incidents involving alleged disruptions of political gatherings in Nkanu West Local Government Area on September 12.
The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police overseeing the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to investigate the incidents and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, said the first incident occurred at Ndiuno-Obuoffia, where armed hoodlums allegedly disrupted an NDC ward meeting with sporadic gunfire, reportedly injuring two participants.
The second incident was reported at St. Joseph Primary School in Agbani, where suspects allegedly vandalised canopies and chairs prepared for a PDP political gathering.
Ndukwe said police officers were deployed to both locations after receiving reports of the incidents to prevent further violence and pursue the suspects who fled the scenes.
He noted, however, that neither of the political gatherings had reportedly been brought to the attention of the police beforehand for security arrangements.
The police spokesperson reiterated the command’s warning that political parties, candidates and supporters must conduct their activities peacefully and within the law.
He also reminded political stakeholders that electoral offences carry legal consequences and warned against violence, intimidation, destruction of property or any action capable of disrupting public order.
The command urged political parties to notify the police ahead of campaigns, rallies, meetings and other political events to enable adequate security arrangements.
Ndukwe said the police command remained committed to providing a secure environment for lawful political activities while taking appropriate action against anyone who violates the law.
