Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Enugu State, Uche Nnaji, has accused the state government of sponsoring gunmen to attack opposition members and allegedly allowing suspects arrested over political violence to regain their freedom.
The allegation comes amid heightened political tensions in Enugu ahead of the 2027 general elections, following attacks on members of opposition parties and competing claims by the opposition and the state government over responsibility for the violence.
The controversy includes a September 12, 2026, attack on a ward meeting of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area, where gunmen reportedly disrupted proceedings and injured party members.
The incident prompted a police investigation. In late September, reports emerged that a traditional ruler, his brother, a former member of the House of Representatives and other suspects had been arrested in connection with the attack. The allegations against them have not been established in court.
The NDC subsequently accused the state government of shielding suspected political thugs and criticised what it described as the handling of the investigation. The party also raised concerns over the prosecution of a member who recorded footage of the incident. Police, however, said the case against the individual concerned cyberbullying complaints and was separate from the investigation into the attack.
On October 11, the Enugu State Government denied involvement in attacks on NDC members at the party’s state secretariat and the Akanu Ibiam International Airport. Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, said the secretariat incident was under police investigation and maintained that the government was committed to protecting residents regardless of political affiliation.
The government also accused some opposition elements of plotting to bring armed thugs and bandits into the state to create panic ahead of the 2027 elections. It did not provide detailed evidence of the alleged plot in its public statement.
The latest allegations attributed to Nnaji add to the growing political dispute over security, accountability and the freedom of opposition parties to organise in the state.
The claims that the government sponsored the attacks or that arrested suspects were released through government intervention have not been independently established. The state government has denied involvement in the violence, while the police have said investigations into the incidents are ongoing.
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