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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on security agencies to immediately investigate the alleged attack on its members during a grassroots meeting in Obuoffia Ward, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, and prosecute the perpetrators and their sponsors.
The party, which, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, described the incident as “dastardly” and unprovoked, alleged that its members were attacked by state-sponsored thugs during the peaceful meeting, warning that continued violence would not stop it from participating in the 2027 general elections.
The NDC said the attack was “an affront to Nigeria’s democracy and a direct attack on the freedom of association guaranteed by the Constitution”.
“As a registered political party, we have every constitutional right to participate in the democratic process through peaceful assembly. No amount of intimidation will silence this constitutionally guaranteed right.”
The NDC also accused security agencies of showing “complacency and lackadaisical attitude” towards opposition activities in Enugu and across the South-East, saying their failure to act promptly had emboldened attackers.
“We hereby call on the security agencies to immediately launch a thorough investigation into this dastardly act and bring the perpetrators and their sponsors to justice without delay,” it said.
It recalled that its members had previously been attacked twice in Imo State during a town hall meeting and consultation by its senatorial candidate, Uche Onyeagocha, adding that the attacks were linked to the growing strength of the opposition party in the region.
Going further, it said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu was “clearly jittery and disturbed by the growing momentum of the NDC”, while declaring no amount of intimidation would prevent the party from organising and mobilising ahead of the 2027 elections.
“If the goal of those sponsoring these thugs and attacks is to instil fear in the hearts of the people, they have failed woefully. This cowardly act will only strengthen our resolve to canvass and mobilise for the party and its candidates across the board,” the statement said.
The party also warned those behind the alleged attacks against further violence, saying it reserved the right to self-defence. It added that “no individual and no political party has a monopoly on violence.
“Those sponsoring thugs to attack NDC members should know that we reserve the right to self-defence. No further attack on our members will be tolerated.
“The NDC will not be cowed. We will continue to organise, mobilise, and defend the democratic space,” the party said.
