2027: Enugu ADC Guber Candidate Condemns Attack On Opposition

The governorship candidate of the Africa Democratic Party in Enugu State, Ocho Obodoeze Chukwuma, has condemned reported attacks on opposition parties in Enugu State.

Chukwuma was reacting to the reported Saturday attacks on the state wing of NDC during its statewide campaign flag-off ahead of the 2027 general election.

He stated that, “The reported use of firearms in a political environment is deeply troubling and represents a serious threat to public safety, democratic participation and the peaceful coexistence our society deserves. We sympathise with the NDC, its leadership and members over these disturbing developments.”

The candidate called on relevant security agencies to conduct “a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law”.

He said, “We are equally concerned about the circumstances surrounding the restriction of NDC members who reportedly gathered at Akanu Ibiam International Airport to receive their party’s governorship candidate. Airports require appropriate security arrangements, and all applicable rules must be respected.

“However, those rules must be applied consistently, transparently and without political discrimination. Members of political parties and other groups are regularly seen welcoming associates and leaders at public arrival points. Any restriction imposed on one political party must therefore be supported by clear, consistently applied regulations rather than arbitrary or partisan considerations.”

He called on the Federal Ministry of Aviation to institute an independent and transparent inquiry, in conjunction with the appropriate airport authorities, to “establish precisely what happened, the basis for the restrictions imposed on the NDC, and whether the same standards are applied to other political parties.”

He said public institutions “must remain impartial and must never create the impression that lawful civic participation is permitted for one group but denied to another on account of political affiliation’.

He urged all political parties, their supporters and relevant authorities to reject violence, uphold democratic principles and allow lawful political activities to take place in an atmosphere of peace, fairness and mutual respect.

“Our position remains unequivocal: the rule of law must prevail, equality before the law must be upheld, and the dignity of every human person must be recognised and protected, irrespective of political affiliation. No individual or group should be above the law, and no citizen should be made to feel that their rights are inferior because of the political party they support,” he said.

THE WHISTLER reported that the government of Enugu State, through the state Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, had attributed the skirmishes to NDC’s attempt to use Enugu airport’s premises to flag off its campaign without permission.