The Enugu State Government has alleged that some opposition groups are planning to bring armed thugs and bandits into the state to create fear and portray the state as insecure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The government also criticised leaders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for reportedly observing a minute’s silence for a person it claimed was still alive, describing the action as an attempt to gain political sympathy and public attention.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Chidiebere Onyia, made the allegations during a press conference at the Government House in Enugu.
Onyia said the administration of Governor Peter Mbah would not compromise the peace and security achieved in the state over the past three years, noting that the government and security agencies had made significant sacrifices to maintain stability.
He maintained that the government remained committed to protecting the democratic rights of all residents, including the freedom to support political parties, campaign for candidates and vote for their preferred leaders in free, fair and credible elections.
According to him, the administration believes its performance and delivery on campaign promises will help secure Mbah’s re-election in 2027, making it unnecessary to engage in desperate political tactics.
“The peace and security we have achieved in Enugu State in the last three years, and at huge material costs and sacrifices by our security agents, are non-negotiable and irreversible,” Onyia said.
Government Explains Airport Confrontation
The SSG also addressed the incidents involving the NDC at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the party’s state secretariat in Enugu on Saturday.
He denied allegations that the state government or the governor’s Chief Security Officer, Ifeanyi Osondu, was involved in the incidents.
Onyia explained that the confrontation at the airport arose from the NDC’s reported plan to hold a programme tagged “Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off 2026” at the facility without obtaining the required approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
He said the party had publicised the proposed event and invited members and supporters to attend, including through the Facebook page of its governorship candidate.
According to the SSG, security agencies advised the organisers to obtain the necessary clearance from FAAN before proceeding with the programme, particularly because the airport is a strategic national facility.
He alleged that the party went ahead to mobilise its supporters to the airport despite the advice, leading to a confrontation with airport authorities.
Onyia said security personnel subsequently intervened to disperse the crowd and restore order.
He added that the state government’s account of the incident was consistent with the statement issued by the Enugu State Police Command on Sunday.
The SSG maintained that the airport incident involved the NDC and federal authorities, insisting that the state government had no role in the confrontation.
Police Investigate Shooting at NDC Secretariat
On the reported shooting at the NDC secretariat in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Enugu, Onyia said security reports indicated that a violent clash had occurred at the party’s office.
He disclosed that the police were investigating the incident but disputed reports alleging that people had died during the confrontation.
According to him, preliminary findings by the state government indicated that no fatality was recorded.
The SSG identified a 43-year-old man, Ifeanyi Nworie, as the person who sustained a gunshot injury during the incident.
He said Nworie was initially taken to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, where he received treatment and 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 government also rejected allegations that Osondu was present at the NDC secretariat and supervised the shooting.
Onyia claimed that the governor’s security officer was with Mbah at the Teachers Grassroots Movement mega rally held at Okpara Square, Enugu, when the incident occurred.
The claims concerning the incident and the circumstances surrounding the shooting were presented by the state government, while the police investigation was still ongoing.
SSG Accuses Opposition of Creating Fear
Onyia accused some opposition elements of attempting to create the impression that Enugu State was unsafe and that the Mbah administration was hostile to political opponents.
He also alleged that certain opposition groups had been attributing internal disagreements and violent confrontations to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
As an example, he referred to the September 12 incident at Obuofia in Nkanu West Local Government Area, claiming that investigations had identified the alleged perpetrators and that the police were prosecuting them.
The SSG further described the opposition as divided, alleging that some political actors were attempting to draw the state government into controversies to gain political relevance ahead of the 2027 elections.
He particularly questioned the decision to announce a statewide campaign flag-off at the airport without securing the necessary authorisation.
“Without holding brief for FAAN, is it not sheer rascality to attempt to hold a ‘Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off 2026’ of the NDC at the airport as publicised by the party and its gubernatorial candidate, especially without the approval by the appropriate authorities?” he asked.
Onyia also questioned the decision to observe a minute’s silence for someone he claimed was still alive, describing it as political mischief intended to mislead the public.
Government Warns Against Political Violence
The SSG reiterated that Governor Mbah had pledged to protect the lives and property of all residents, regardless of their political affiliations or religious beliefs.
He said the administration’s ambition to develop Enugu into a $30 billion economy and establish the state as a preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and residence depended heavily on maintaining peace and security.
According to him, the government had invested substantial resources in security infrastructure and operations over the past three years to protect residents and businesses.
Onyia condemned all forms of violence, particularly violence allegedly motivated by political interests, while affirming the government’s support for peaceful assembly, freedom of association and constructive political debate.
He urged political parties and their candidates to exercise restraint and focus their campaigns on policies, programmes and issues affecting the people rather than actions capable of creating tension.
The SSG stressed that political parties had a responsibility to uphold democratic values, decorum and integrity as the state approaches the 2027 general elections.
He further insisted that the government had no reason to resort to intimidation or violence, expressing confidence that its record in office would determine the outcome of the next election.
The allegations against opposition groups and the NDC were made by the Enugu State Government. The claims were not independently established in the account, and the police investigation into the shooting incident remained an important part of determining what happened.
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