By Emmanuel Thomas l Monday, Sept 14, 2026
ENUGU — The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has strongly condemned an unprovoked attack on its members during a peaceful monthly ward meeting in Obuoffia Ward, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The party warned political rivals against escalating violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, asserting its constitutional right to self-defence if state-sponsored assaults do not cease immediately.
The violent disruption occurred at Ihuani Awkunanaw in Obuoffia—the ancestral home of the Awkunanaw people and hometown of Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa. Suspected political thugs reportedly invaded the venue, opened fire on peaceful party faithful, and left eight members with severe gunshot injuries, while destroying canopies, chairs, and party campaign materials.
Reacting to the incident in a press statement issued in Abuja, the National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Osa Director, Esq., described the assault as a direct affront to Nigeria’s democracy and a brazen violation of the freedom of association guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
”This incessant assault on our members by state-sponsored thugs must stop,” Director stated. “As a registered political party, we have every constitutional right to participate in the democratic process through peaceful assembly. No amount of intimidation will silence this constitutionally guaranteed right.”
”The violence visited on NDC members in Enugu and other parts of the South-East is an affront to Nigeria’s democracy. No individual and no political party has a monopoly on violence. Those sponsoring thugs to attack NDC members should know that we reserve the right to self-defence. No further attack on our members will be tolerated,” he added.
The NDC spokesperson expressed deep concern over what he termed the “complacency and lackadaisical attitude” of security agencies toward opposition parties across the South-East region. He noted that failure by law enforcement to act decisively has emboldened criminal elements and political actors to carry out attacks without fear of prosecution.
The party cited similar incidents in Imo State, where NDC members were targeted twice during town hall consultations led by its senatorial candidate, Uche Onyeogocha.
Attributing the violent outbursts in Enugu to panic within opposition ranks, the NDC alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State has grown jittery over the rapid grassroots momentum built by the party ahead of the 2027 polls.
”If the goal of those sponsoring these thugs and attacks is to instill fear in the hearts of the people, they have failed woefully,” Director noted. “This cowardly act will only strengthen our resolve to canvass and mobilise for the party and its candidates across the board.”
The NDC called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and relevant security authorities to launch an immediate, thorough investigation into the Obuoffia attack to arrest and prosecute both the perpetrators and their political sponsors.
The party affirmed that despite the intimidation, it remains uncowed and fully committed to expanding its footprint across the nation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Rising Political Tensions in Enugu: Nkanu West Council Area has recently emerged as a key battleground state in Enugu politics.
The attack at Obuoffia Ward directly hits the home base of prominent NDC figures like Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, indicating targeting of strongholds.
Pattern of Violence in the South-East: Political violence against opposition figures in the South-East has escalated ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.
The NDC highlighted prior attacks in Imo State targeting former House of Representatives member and senatorial candidate Uche Onyeogocha during town hall consultations.
Security Agency Scrutiny: Security agencies in the region are facing heightened public scrutiny regarding their neutrality and speed of response when opposition parties host grassroots rallies or consultations.
