By Isaac Mission
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State has raised concerns over what it described as an increasing wave of political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The concern follows allegations of attacks on members and supporters of the opposition party during political activities across parts of the state.
A PDP chieftain, Chief Basil Ani, said the rising political tension could have consequences for President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to Ani, public anger arising from alleged attacks on PDP supporters may gradually be directed at the Federal Government if authorities are perceived to be ignoring the situation.
He warned that continued failure to address the allegations could lead to voters expressing their dissatisfaction through the ballot box in 2027.
Ani pointed to several incidents allegedly involving PDP activities, including a ward meeting at Akpugo Ward 3 on August 16 and another meeting at Obe Ward in Nkanu West Local Government Area on August 29.
He further alleged that two PDP ward meetings held on September 12 were attacked, with more than eight people reportedly sustaining gunshot injuries and property destroyed in the process.
The PDP chieftain questioned whether citizens could freely engage in political activities in the state without being exposed to intimidation or violence.
He also expressed concern over what he described as the lack of publicly known arrests or decisive action following some of the reported incidents.
Ani called on security agencies and other relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the allegations and ensure that anyone found responsible is prosecuted, regardless of their political affiliation.
He stressed that the Federal Government should treat the matter as a democratic and security concern rather than simply viewing it as another clash between the PDP and APC.
He said attacks against members of any political party should attract the same level of investigation and response from law-enforcement agencies.
The PDP chieftain also warned that traditional and religious leaders could play an increasingly important role in determining the political direction of their communities if they became convinced that authorities were unwilling to address alleged victimisation.
Ani claimed that some traditional rulers and religious leaders who had previously supported political arrangements linked to President Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid were beginning to reconsider their positions.
According to him, some of them had allegedly expressed dissatisfaction over the handling of the political situation and were considering encouraging their communities to register their grievances through their votes.
He added that the emergence of Chief Uche Nnaji as a prominent opposition figure and PDP governorship candidate had further heightened political competition in Enugu State.
Ani maintained that public perception could significantly influence electoral outcomes, particularly when allegations of political violence remained unresolved.
“The President does not need to take sides in the Enugu political contest. He needs to take the side of democracy,” Ani said.
He warned that unresolved allegations of violence, coupled with perceptions of official inaction, could become major campaign issues as the 2027 elections approach.
“The warning signs are already visible. The question is whether Abuja is paying attention,” he added.
