The Enugu State Government has denied responsibility for two incidents involving members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC): it said one party member sustained gunshot injuries while police investigate a separate clash at the party’s state secretariat.
The government’s position came after confrontations on Saturday, October 10, at Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the NDC secretariat in the GRA area of Enugu. The incidents have triggered competing accounts over what happened, who was responsible and whether anyone died.
Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Ọnyia, presented the government’s account to journalists at the Government House on Sunday. He rejected reports linking Governor Peter Mbah’s administration to the violence and said the airport confrontation arose after the party allegedly attempted to hold a rally without approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
According to Ọnyia, the NDC had publicised a programme described as its “Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off 2026” at the airport. He said the police advised the organisers to obtain FAAN’s authorisation before security personnel could be deployed for the event.
The SSG alleged that the party proceeded without the required clearance, leading to a confrontation when members attempted to enter the facility. Security agencies subsequently dispersed the crowd, he said.
The airport dispute raises an important distinction: a political party’s right to organise and campaign does not automatically grant it permission to hold an event at a controlled federal facility. However, the government’s account does not, by itself, establish every circumstance surrounding the confrontation.
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Government disputes death report
On the secretariat incident, Ọnyia said 43-year-old NDC member Ifeanyi Nworie sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, before being transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, for further treatment.
“We can, therefore, authoritatively report that there were no deaths as falsely claimed by some reports and NDC leaders,” he said.
The government’s statement did not include a detailed account of how the shooting occurred or identify the person responsible. It said the police were investigating the clash.
Ọnyia also denied claims that Governor Mbah’s Chief Security Officer was present at the secretariat and supervised the shooting. He said the officer was with the governor at a Teachers Grassroots Movement rally at Okpara Square when the incident occurred.
The SSG accused opposition figures of attempting to portray Enugu as unsafe ahead of the 2027 elections. He further alleged that some opposition elements planned to use armed thugs and bandits to create panic, but supplied no details to substantiate the claim.
Police findings now matter
The immediate priority is to establish the sequence of events at both locations, determine how Nworie was shot and clarify whether any other people were injured. Police findings and accounts from the NDC, airport authorities and witnesses will be essential to resolving disputed claims.
With political activities gathering pace ahead of 2027, allegations of violence require careful scrutiny. The government has denied involvement, but that denial is not a substitute for an independent investigation.
The outcome matters beyond the dispute between the state government and the NDC. Political parties must be able to organise lawful activities without intimidation, while public institutions must enforce safety requirements impartially. Clear findings would help residents distinguish verified facts from partisan accusations.
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