The Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has petitioned the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), INTERPOL, and the United Nations to investigate an alleged armed attack on its political gathering in Nkanu West Local Government Area. The party’s open petition, dated September 14, 2026, describes the incident as a serious threat to democratic participation and the safety of opposition members in the state.
The NDC stated that the alleged attack occurred during a peaceful ward meeting in Obuoffia, the home ward of its governorship candidate, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa. According to the party, the incident resulted in injuries to several local leaders and community members, including Ward Chairman Madueke Ngene, Youth Leader Maduka Ngene, community member Victor Onovo, and Councillor Donald Onovo. The NDC identified Mr. Odogwu, described as a Senior Special Assistant to the Nkanu West Local Government Chairman, Hon. John Chukwuma Ogbodo, as the leader of the alleged attack.
“This was a calculated, armed strike against democratic engagement, community sovereignty, and the constitutional right to peaceful assembly,” the NDC stated.
The opposition party further alleged that the incident is part of a broader pattern of political intimidation in Enugu State, citing previous armed disruptions of PDP ward gatherings in Akpugo and Obe. The NDC also made allegations regarding the conduct of the Nkanu West Local Government Chairman, claiming he traveled to the airport to welcome and photograph with suspects after they were questioned by security operatives. The party characterized this alleged action as a “public display of solidarity with violence,” though it did not provide independent evidence in the petition to substantiate these specific claims.
In response to the allegations, the NDC has called on security agencies to conduct an immediate, independent probe and to arrest and prosecute anyone found responsible, including alleged sponsors. The party has also appealed to international bodies, including the United States Embassy, the British High Commission, the European Union, the African Union, ECOWAS, and the Commonwealth Secretariat, to monitor the situation and consider visa restrictions or travel bans against individuals involved in political violence.
Despite the alleged attack, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, who is currently abroad on an official trip, reaffirmed his commitment to democratic participation. He stated that “authority is built on public trust and service, not fear,” and expressed the view that the violence would not intimidate opposition supporters. NDC State Secretary Hon. Nebo Chukwujekwu Emmanuel warned that no individual or political faction has a monopoly on violence, urging that political disagreements be resolved through democratic engagement rather than force.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
