APC denies link to violence in Enugu, demands probe

The Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has denied allegations linking the party, its leaders or the state administration to an alleged act of political violence in Nkanu West Local Government Area.

The party stated this in a statement issued on Tuesday and made available to PUNCH Online, signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Chief Uche Obute, the APC described the allegations as “misleading, unsubstantiated and politically motivated.”

The ruling party, however, urged security and law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident and make public the facts surrounding it.

According to the statement, the party would support the prosecution of anyone found culpable of violence or criminality, irrespective of political affiliation or status.

“The APC has nothing to fear from a transparent investigation and will continue to uphold the principles of democracy, justice and the rule of law,” the statement partly read.

The party also rejected attempts to link Governor Peter Mbah with the alleged incident, arguing that his administration had prioritised peace, security, development and good governance in the state.

It said, “It is therefore difficult to reconcile allegations of sponsorship of violence with an administration that has consistently placed security, development and good governance among its major priorities.”

The APC further appealed to opposition parties and other political actors in the state to exercise restraint and avoid what it described as character assassination, misinformation, inflammatory rhetoric and unsubstantiated accusations.

The party urged its members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, warning them not to be provoked by rumours or inflammatory political statements.

It also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, youth organisations and civil society groups to promote peace, dialogue and responsible citizenship.

The APC said political disagreements should be resolved through democratic and lawful processes rather than confrontation or violence.

The party added that it remained committed to supporting the development agenda of the Mbah administration and urged citizens to protect the peace and stability of Enugu State.

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“Nkanu West is peaceful. Enugu State is peaceful. Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah remains committed to peace, security, law and development,” the statement added.

The National Democratic Congress in Enugu State had on Monday released the names of eight party members who sustained gunshot injuries on Saturday after unidentified hoodlums invaded their political gathering in Obuofia, Nkanu West Local Government Area.

In an official statement issued by the Media Aide to the NDC governorship candidate, Mr Sampson Ukwu, the victim list was confirmed as Onovo Donald Ekene, Ngene Godwin Madueke, Ogbodo Gloria, Onovo Victor, Maduabuchi Ugwu, Nnaemeka Nelson, Chinonso Nwagbara and Obinna Daniel Owo.

The attack occurred during the party’s state-wide monthly ward meeting at Ihuani Awkunanaw, the hometown of the NDC governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa.

Beyond the bodily harm inflicted on party members, the invading gunmen destroyed several party materials, canopies and plastic chairs at the venue.

Condemning the bloody assault as a calculated act of political intimidation aimed at suppressing opposition forces in Enugu, Ukwu noted that the incident fits into a disturbing pattern following similar violent disruptions recently reported in Akpugo and Obe wards.

The NDC leadership subsequently petitioned the Enugu State Police Command and the Department of State Services to immediately track down and arrest the attackers.

Reacting to the violent outburst, Ohaa maintained that the opposition party would not yield to fear ahead of the 2027 governorship race.

“The entire NDC family in Enugu State remains undeterred. 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 affirmed.

The Enugu State Police Command subsequently confirmed the attack through the command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, in a statement.

The police also confirmed a separate attack on a Peoples Democratic Party rally at St Joseph Primary School, Agbani, in Nkanu West, where hoodlums allegedly destroyed canopies and chairs prepared for the event.