Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has called for a thorough police investigation into reports of political violence at a campaign-related gathering involving supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), following a shooting that reportedly injured a man. In a video address released on October 12, 2026, Mbah expressed concern over the incident and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting residents and ensuring that political activities take place without violence or intimidation.
Key Highlights
- Governor Peter Mbah has called for a thorough investigation into reported political violence in Enugu.
- The incidents occurred during activities linked to the NDC governorship candidate, Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, on October 10.
- A 43-year-old man, identified as Ifeanyi Nworie, reportedly sustained a gunshot wound.
- The Enugu State Government denied involvement in the violence and said no death was recorded.
- NDC officials alleged that supporters were attacked and called for an independent investigation.
- Police are investigating the reported shooting and damage to vehicles.
- Mbah urged political parties to respect the law and allow citizens to exercise their political rights peacefully.
Mbah Reacts to Reported Violence at NDC Campaign
In his video address to the people of Enugu State, Mbah said his immediate concern was the welfare of those injured, people who experienced fear during the incidents and families affected by the violence.
The governor stressed that political affiliation should not determine the protection citizens receive, insisting that every resident must be able to participate in political activities without fear.
He also called for an impartial investigation to establish what happened and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable through the legal process.
Mbah’s address followed competing accounts from the state government and NDC officials over the incidents, which have heightened political tensions ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
What Happened During the NDC Campaign Activities?
The reported violence occurred on Saturday, October 10, during activities associated with the homecoming and campaign flag-off of Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, the NDC governorship candidate and a former federal permanent secretary.
Media reports described confrontations at two locations: Akanu Ibiam International Airport, where supporters gathered to welcome Ohaa, and the party’s secretariat in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Enugu.
NDC officials alleged that suspected political thugs attacked supporters and that tear gas and gunfire were used during the confrontations. Reports also described injuries, damaged vehicles and panic among people at the gatherings.
Initial accounts suggested that someone might have died, but the Enugu State Government subsequently disputed claims of a fatality, saying one man had sustained a gunshot injury and was receiving treatment.
The circumstances surrounding the incidents remain subject to police investigation.
Enugu Government Denies Involvement in Attack
The state government, through the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, denied involvement in the reported violence.
Officials attributed the confrontation at Akanu Ibiam International Airport to an alleged attempt by the NDC to hold a statewide campaign flag-off without approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The government described the airport incident as a matter involving federal authorities.
Regarding the confrontation at the NDC secretariat, the government acknowledged that a violent clash occurred and identified the injured man as 43-year-old Ifeanyi Nworie.
According to the government’s account, Nworie sustained a gunshot wound, received treatment and was reported to be in stable condition after being transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital.
The government also rejected allegations that Mbah’s Chief Security Officer supervised any shooting. These denials have not resolved the competing accounts of what happened, and the police investigation is expected to help establish the facts.
NDC Demands Independent Investigation
NDC leaders rejected aspects of the government’s account and insisted that their supporters were attacked during the campaign activities.
The party reportedly released documents showing notifications to security agencies, including the police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), arguing that it had informed the relevant authorities about its planned activities.
The party called for an independent investigation into the incidents and urged authorities to identify those responsible for the alleged attacks.
The dispute has developed into a broader disagreement over political security and the freedom of opposition parties to organise public gatherings in Enugu State.
Earlier Attack on NDC Meeting Raises Further Concerns
The latest incidents have also drawn attention to an earlier reported attack on an NDC ward meeting in Obuoffia, an area associated with Ohaa’s hometown, in September 2026.
Reports at the time alleged that armed hoodlums disrupted the meeting and that eight party members sustained gunshot wounds.
The earlier incident has added to calls from opposition figures for stronger protection of political gatherings as parties prepare for the 2027 elections.
However, the allegations surrounding both incidents require investigation, and responsibility should be determined on the basis of verified evidence.
Read also:
- Mbah, 15 Other Candidates To Contest Governorship Seat In Enugu
- IPOB Slams Governor Mbah Over Disruption Of Opposition Parties Rallies
- INEC Urges Enugu Residents To Take Advantage Of Claims/Objections, PVC Collection Windows
Enugu Political Tensions Rise Ahead of 2027 Election
The incidents come as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 Enugu governorship election.
Mbah, who is seeking re-election under the All Progressives Congress (APC) after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has highlighted his administration’s record in road construction, education, primary healthcare and other infrastructure projects.
Ohaa, the NDC candidate, has criticised aspects of governance and made commitments concerning taxation and land-related issues. Other political parties have also condemned the reported violence and called for accountability.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published a list of candidates for the governorship election, placing the campaign period within an increasingly competitive political environment.
Police Investigation to Test Commitment to Peace
The police investigation into the October 10 incidents remains a key issue following the governor’s address.
A transparent investigation could help clarify the circumstances of the reported shooting, the damage to vehicles and the competing allegations made by the government and opposition party.
Mbah has said political competition must not undermine public safety or citizens’ rights. As campaigning intensifies, the response of the security agencies and the state government will remain under scrutiny.
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