NDC demands probe of attack on members in Enugu

From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has demanded an immediate investigation into an alleged attack on its members during a grassroots meeting in Enugu State, warning that violence and intimidation would not stop it from participating in the 2027 general election.

The party called on security agencies to identify and prosecute both the perpetrators of the attack and their sponsors. In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the NDC alleged that its members were attacked by “state-sponsored thugs” during a peaceful meeting at Obuoffia Ward in Nkanu West Local Government Area.

It described the incident as “dastardly” and unprovoked, saying it constituted “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 party said.

The NDC accused security agencies of displaying what it described as “complacency and lackadaisical attitude” towards opposition activities in Enugu and other parts of the South-East, alleging that 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. The party recalled that its members had previously been attacked twice in Imo State during a town hall meeting and consultations involving its senatorial candidate, Uche Onyeagocha.

It claimed that the incidents were connected to the growing strength of the opposition party in the region.

The NDC also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu of being clearly jittery and disturbed by the growing momentum of the NDC, insisting that intimidation would not prevent it from organising and mobilising ahead of the elections.

“If the goal of those sponsoring these thugs and attacks is to instill fear in the hearts of the people, they have failed woefully.

“This cowardly act will only strengthen our resolve to canvas and mobilise for the party and its candidates across the board,” it said.

The party warned against further attacks on its members, declaring that it reserved the right to self-defence.

“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.