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The governorship candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) in Enugu State, Dr Christopher Ndubuisi Okonkwo, has condemned the reported attacks on supporters of another governorship candidate, allegedly carried out by armed thugs believed to be loyal to the ruling party in the state.
According to the NRM gubernatorial candidate, chaos erupted at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu State on Saturday, October 10, 2026, after thugs allegedly attacked members and supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) who had gathered to welcome the party’s governorship candidate in the state, Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa.
Okonkwo, in a press statement, described the reported incident as disturbing and called on the state government and relevant security agencies to investigate the attacks and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice, regardless of political affiliation or status.
Expressing sympathy with those affected, the NRM candidate said he was deeply saddened by reports that supporters had been attacked while gathering to welcome their governorship candidate.
“My heart goes out to everyone affected, especially those who sustained injuries, and I extend my sincere sympathy to their families and loved ones during this difficult time,” he said.
He stressed that political differences should not prevent citizens from exercising their democratic rights, insisting that violence and intimidation have no place in the electoral process.
“Regardless of our political affiliations, we must all defend the right of every citizen to participate in the democratic process without fear,” Okonkwo stated.
He added: “No political disagreement, ambition or contest for public office can ever justify the shedding of innocent blood. Democracy must never become a licence for violence.”
The governorship candidate called on the Enugu State Government and security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the reported attacks, identify those responsible and ensure that they face the law.
He maintained that accountability should be pursued without regard to the political status or affiliations of those implicated.
Okonkwo also specifically called on Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah to condemn and investigate what he described as repeated attacks aimed at suppressing political campaigns in the state.
“Finally, I demand that Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah condemn and probe the repeated attacks aimed at suppressing campaigns in Enugu State,” he said.
Warning against a possible escalation of political tensions, the NRM candidate cautioned that opposition parties should not be pushed into taking matters into their own hands.
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“A stitch in time saves nine is a good old saying. Opposition political parties must not be pushed to self-defence,” he added.
Outlining his security priorities, Okonkwo said protecting human life would be central to his administration if elected governor of Enugu State.
“As I seek the mandate of Ndi Enugu under the National Rescue Movement (NRM), I want to make one thing absolutely clear: every human life is important to me,” he said.
He pledged to take what he described as decisive and practical measures to address insecurity, with the goal of ensuring that residents and visitors could move around the state safely at any time of the day or night.
According to him, traders, workers, farmers, travellers and other residents deserve an environment where their safety is guaranteed, regardless of their political affiliations.
“Security will not be treated as a political slogan. It will be a solemn responsibility, pursued with effective policing, timely intelligence, community partnership and accountability,” he stated.
He further declared that no citizen should be subjected to violence simply for supporting a political party of their choice.
Okonkwo urged political parties and their supporters across Enugu State to remain peaceful and law-abiding, warning that political disagreements must not lead to the loss of human lives.
“I urge all political parties and their supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We may disagree politically, but we must never lose our humanity,” he said.
He reiterated his call for peace and improved security in the state.
“Enugu deserves peace. Enugu deserves security. Above all, every life in Enugu deserves protection,” he said, while praying for comfort for those affected and lasting peace for the state.
The reported attacks and the allegations of political involvement were contained in Okonkwo’s press statement.
Further details about the incident, including the identities of those affected and any response from the state government, the ruling party or security agencies, were not provided in the statement.
