Follow Us on Google
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Basil Ani, has warned that growing political tension and alleged violence in Enugu could affect President Bola Tinubu’s popularity in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ani, in a statement, yesterday, said growing anger over alleged attacks on PDP members and supporters was increasingly being transferred to the Federal Government, and by extension, the president. He warned that the situation could trigger a protest vote against Tinubu if the Federal Government was perceived as failing to intervene in the alleged political violence. Ani said what began largely as opposition to the administration of Governor Peter Mbah is gradually assuming a wider dimension, with some opposition politicians, traditional rulers, and other citizens questioning the Federal Government’s response to developments in the state. He cited alleged attacks on PDP activities in different parts of the state, including a ward meeting at Akpugo Ward 3, on August 16, and another meeting at Obe Ward, Nkanu West Local Government Area, on August 29.
He also referred to alleged attacks on two PDP ward meetings last Saturday, during which more than eight people were reportedly shot and injured, while property was destroyed.
“The allegations are grave and raise a much larger question: Can citizens freely participate in political activities in Enugu State without fear of violence or intimidation?” he asked.
Ani said the incidents had generated concern among political stakeholders, particularly against the backdrop of what he described as the absence of publicly known arrests or decisive action over the alleged attacks. He urged security and law-enforcement agencies to investigate the incidents and prosecute anyone found culpable, irrespective of political affiliation.
The PDP chieftain said the Federal Government should not view the situation through the narrow prism of the rivalry between the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC), but as an issue concerning democratic stability.
“If PDP members are attacked, investigate it. If APC members are attacked, investigate it. If supporters of any other political party are attacked, investigate it,” he said.
Ani further warned that traditional rulers and religious leaders could influence the political calculations of their communities if they became convinced that the Federal Government was indifferent to the alleged victimisation of their people. He said accounts emerging from political circles indicated that some traditional rulers and religious leaders who had previously supported arrangements aimed at securing Tinubu’s re-election, while backing their preferred candidates for state offices under the PDP, were now questioning whether such arrangements should continue.
He said some of the traditional rulers had reportedly told their subjects that if the President allowed the situation to continue unchecked, voters should consider expressing their displeasure at the ballot box in 2027.
Ani said the emergence of Chief Uche Nnaji as a major opposition figure and PDP governorship candidate had further intensified the political contest in the state. He noted that perception could become as politically consequential as established facts, particularly where allegations remained unresolved.
“The President does not need to take sides in the Enugu political contest. He needs to take the side of democracy,” Ani said.
He warned that unresolved allegations, political violence and perceived official indifference could become major issues before the electorate in the 2027 elections.
Ani said the growing anger against Mbah could become a political liability for Tinubu if the Federal Government was perceived as protecting, tolerating, or ignoring the circumstances fuelling the resentment.
“The warning signs are already visible. The question is whether Abuja is paying attention,” he said.
