Three opposition gubernatorial candidates in Enugu State have called on the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to conduct an independent investigation into the alleged attacks on political gatherings, supporters and campaign offices, including the October 10 violence involving the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), demanding a 14-day interim report, protection for witnesses and prosecution of anyone found culpable.
The candidates, Uche Nnaji of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Ozor Obodoeze Ocho of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the demand at a joint press conference held on Monday , October 12, 2026 at the Rt. Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi NUJ Press Centre,Enugu.
They alleged that intimidation, restrictions on political activities and violence against opposition supporters were threatening democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The candidates urged the IGP to constitute an independent investigative team comprising substantial representation from outside the Enugu State Police Command to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported incidents, identify those responsible and restore public confidence in the security system.
They cited alleged attacks on PDP ward meetings in Akpugo, Obe and Agbani in Nkanu West Local Government Area, the disruption of an NDC meeting at Obuoffia, reported gunfire during a reception for PDP deputy governorship candidate, Chief Ugwu Chijioke Peter, in Nsukka on October 3, and the October 10 incidents involving NDC supporters at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the party’s campaign office in Enugu.
According to the candidates, armed men allegedly disrupted the Nkanu West meetings, assaulted party members, fired shots and destroyed canopies, chairs, tables and other materials.
They also demanded clarification on whether local government security personnel were involved in the alleged attacks and called for the disclosure of investigation findings and any arrests made.
Ohaa, a former federal permanent secretary, alleged that his homecoming and the inauguration of his campaign office were disrupted by security operatives and armed men, leaving supporters injured, vehicles damaged and journalists deprived of their phones.
He maintained that the NDC had notified relevant security agencies, including the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), about the planned airport reception.
Ohaa also said gthe party had paid the required airport fees and complied with the relevant procedures, stressing that it had no intention of conducting campaign activities on the airport tarmac.
He alleged that armed men blocked his convoy at different points before confronting him.
“When I came there, they blocked me face to face. And I came out and said, ‘Okay, you want to shoot me? Shoot me,’” he said, recounting the incident.
The NDC candidate claimed that eight people were injured, including a woman reportedly shot in the breast and another victim who allegedly sustained severe abdominal injuries.
The candidates also cited reports of injuries involving Umar Abdulkarim, Muhammad Musa and Hassan Gora at the campaign office, while alleging that Moses Arisi sustained a serious head injury.
They called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the reported injuries, the conduct of security personnel and the alleged detention of individuals connected to the incidents.
The opposition leaders specifically demanded that investigators examine airport CCTV footage, access registers, security deployment orders, ammunition records, phone and radio logs, and duty rosters to establish what happened.
They further called for clarification on who authorised the use of tear gas or firearms, the number of rounds allegedly discharged and whether any recovered weapons or ammunition had undergone forensic examination.
Nnaji expressed solidarity with Ohaa, condemning what he described as intimidation and attacks against political supporters.
Speaking, the PDP governorship candidate, Uche Nnaji, said he had visited some victims receiving medical attention and expressed concern over reports of civilians sustaining gunshot wounds.
“We are assembled here to show solidarity to our brother in the NDC for what he went through,” Nnaji said, adding that political competition should not become a do-or-die affair.
“You don’t play politics with bitterness. The more you harass people, the more people troop out, ” he said.
Nnaji urged security agencies to intervene and ensure that those responsible for any unlawful conduct were held accountable.
He also rejected suggestions that threats or intimidation would force opposition politicians to abandon their political ambitions.
The PDP candidate raised concerns about alleged restrictions on campaign activities, including reported advertising permit requirements of up to ₦150 million and difficulties securing venues for political programmes.
He alleged that opposition parties were facing barriers to using hotels and other facilities for political events, describing the situation as an attempt to constrain their activities.
The candidates also questioned reported penalties of up to ₦50 million for unauthorised campaign posters, arguing that political advertising regulations should be lawful, proportionate, affordable and applied equally to all parties.
They said the disputed requirements reportedly covered billboards, banners, branded vehicles, street campaigns, handbills, buntings, T-shirts and caps across the state’s 17 local government areas.
They called for the suspension of coercive enforcement of disputed advertising regulations against private political premises pending a review.
Speaking ,the ADC governorship candidate, Ocho, said the ADC had also experienced an incident involving the destruction of a thanksgiving canopy and venue earlier in the campaign season.
He explained that the joint appearance was intended to express solidarity with the NDC and draw attention to the broader implications of political violence for the state’s democratic process.
“We are just here to commiserate with NDC on the unfortunate incident that happened to them. It could have been anybody,” Ocho said.
He questioned the circumstances surrounding access to the airport, arguing that authorities needed to explain why the reception allegedly became confrontational.
He urged voters to remain at their polling units until their votes were counted and results recorded, calling on security agencies to prevent intimidation and electoral violence.
Ocho also advocated adequate deployment of federal security personnel to protect voters and prevent interference by hoodlums and cult groups during the elections.
Beyond investigating the individual incidents, the opposition candidates demanded an interim investigation report within 14 days, medical assistance for injured persons and protection for witnesses, party members and journalists.
They urged the police to investigate any state or local government security personnel implicated in the incidents and, where warranted, remove them from operational duties pending the outcome of investigations.
They also demanded the prosecution of anyone found responsible for violence or other unlawful acts, as well as the return of campaign materials allegedly removed from political offices or appropriate compensation where unlawful destruction was established.
The candidates called on the National Human Rights Commission, civil society organisations, the Nigerian Bar Association and media organisations to monitor the investigations and ensure the protection of political rights.
They further challenged the authorities to investigate allegations that opposition figures were planning to bring armed thugs or bandits into Enugu, urging the government to submit any supporting intelligence to the Police and DSS for verification.
The candidates urged political parties in the state to agree to a public peace accord guaranteeing equal access to political venues, impartial policing, fair campaign regulations and accountability for violations.
They rejected violence and retaliation, pledging to cooperate with lawful investigations and urging their supporters to remain peaceful, document incidents and avoid provocation.
