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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has petitioned the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), INTERPOL, the United Nations and other international bodies over what it described as an alleged escalation of political violence in the state.
The party, in an open petition dated September 14, 2026, called for an independent investigation into an alleged armed attack on its ward meeting in Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area, saying the incident posed a serious threat to democratic participation and the safety of opposition members.
The petition followed an emergency meeting convened by the NDC State Chairman, Engr. Ibuchukwu Obeta, from where a statement was issued to newsmen.
According to the party, the alleged attack occurred during a peaceful ward meeting in Obuoffia, the home ward of its governorship candidate, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa.
The NDC claimed that the incident resulted in injuries to several local leaders and community members, identifying them as its Ward Chairman, Madueke Ngene; Youth Leader, Maduka Ngene; community member, Victor Onovo; and Councillor Donald Onovo.
“This was a calculated, armed strike against democratic engagement, community sovereignty, and the constitutional right to peaceful assembly,” the party stated.
The NDC further alleged that the attack was led by one Mr. Odogwu, whom it identified as a Senior Special Assistant to the Nkanu West Local Government Chairman, Hon. John Chukwuma Ogbodo.
The party called on security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether the individuals it named or anyone else was responsible.
“When political violence escalates into open gunfire targeting unarmed citizens, civil discourse gives way to naked terror,” the NDC said.
The opposition party also alleged that the incident was part of a broader pattern of disruption of opposition political activities in parts of the state.
It cited alleged armed disruptions of PDP ward gatherings in Akpugo and Obe, describing the incidents as evidence of what it called an emerging pattern of political intimidation.
The NDC said political disagreements should be resolved through democratic engagement rather than violence.
The party also made allegations concerning the conduct of the Nkanu West Local Government Chairman, claiming that after a primary suspect was questioned by security operatives, the chairman went to the airport to welcome the suspects and took photographs with them.
The NDC described the alleged action as a “public display of solidarity with violence” and called for the circumstances surrounding the claim to be investigated.
The party, however, did not provide independent evidence in its petition to substantiate the allegations against the individuals named.
The NDC urged the Inspector-General of Police, the DSS and INTERPOL to conduct an “immediate, independent probe” into the alleged attack.
It called for anyone found responsible for the violence, including alleged sponsors or backers, to be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The party also appealed to the United States Embassy, British High Commission, European Union, African Union, ECOWAS, Commonwealth Secretariat and United Nations human-rights authorities to monitor the situation.
It specifically requested visa restrictions, travel bans and other measures against individuals who may be found to have been involved in political violence.
“The responsibility for the safety, freedom, and lives of opposition members across Enugu State now rests squarely upon the ruling APC leadership,” the NDC declared.
The party warned that any further attack, persecution or harm against opposition figures would be attributed to what it described as the political leadership of the ruling party.
The NDC also said its governorship candidate, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, who is currently abroad on an official trip, had reaffirmed his commitment to democratic participation despite the alleged attack.
According to the party, Ohaa maintained that “authority is built on public trust and service, not fear.”
The candidate, it said, further expressed the view that the alleged violence would not intimidate opposition supporters or weaken their commitment to democratic rights.
The NDC State Secretary, Hon. Nebo Chukwujekwu Emmanuel, also warned against what he described as the escalation of political violence.
“No individual or political faction has a monopoly of violence,” Emmanuel stated.
He added that the people of Enugu State should not be forced to surrender their fundamental rights because of political differences.
The NDC in its petition by demanded for immediate justice, legal accountability and protection for opposition members and political gatherings across the State.
