Enugu State Government has alleged that some opposition elements are plotting to bring armed thugs and bandits into the state to create panic and portray the state as insecure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The government also criticised leaders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for allegedly observing a minute’s silence for a person it claimed was still alive, describing the action as an attempt to gain political advantage.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Chidiebere Onyia, made the allegations at a press conference at Government House, Enugu, on Sunday night.
Onyia said the administration of Governor Peter Mbah remained committed to preserving the peace and security achieved in the state over the past three years, despite the financial costs and sacrifices involved.
“We, however, make bold to say that the peace and security we have achieved in Enugu State in the last three years, and at huge material costs and sacrifices by our security agents, are non-negotiable and irreversible,” he said.
The SSG reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the democratic rights of residents, including the freedom to campaign for and vote for candidates of their choice in the forthcoming elections.
He expressed confidence that Mbah would secure a second term based on his administration’s performance and fulfilment of campaign promises, insisting that the government had no reason to resort to desperate political tactics.
According to him, free, fair and credible elections remain the surest means of securing a renewed mandate.
Onyia also addressed Saturday’s incidents involving the NDC at Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the party’s state secretariat in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Enugu.
He denied allegations linking the state government or the governor’s Chief Security Officer, Ifeanyi Osondu, to the incidents, adding that the airport confrontation involved the party and federal authorities, while the shooting at the secretariat was under police investigation.
On the airport incident, the SSG said preliminary government findings indicated that the NDC had planned a “Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off 2026” at the facility without obtaining approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
He said the party had publicised the event and invited members and supporters, including through the Facebook page of its governorship candidate.
According to Onyia, the police had advised the party to obtain FAAN’s approval before security personnel could be deployed to the airport for the event.
He alleged that the party proceeded to mobilise supporters to the airport and attempted to gain entry, leading to a confrontation with airport authorities.
Security agencies subsequently intervened to disperse the crowd and restore order around the facility, which Onyia described as a strategic national asset.
The SSG said the government’s account was consistent with a statement issued by the Enugu State Police Command on Sunday.
Regarding the shooting at the NDC secretariat, Onyia said security reports indicated that a violent clash had occurred and that the police were investigating the circumstances.
He disputed reports of fatalities, claiming that the government’s preliminary findings showed that nobody died in the incident.
He disclosed that a 43-year-old man, identified as Ifeanyi Nworie, sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, where he was stabilised before being transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, for further examination.
“We can, therefore, authoritatively report that there were no deaths as falsely claimed by some reports and NDC leaders,” he said.
Onyia also rejected allegations that Osondu was present at the party secretariat or supervised the shooting. He maintained that the officer was with the governor at the Teachers Grassroots Movement mega rally at Okpara Square, Enugu, when the incident occurred.
The SSG further accused opposition elements of attempting to portray Enugu as unsafe and the state government as intolerant of opposing political parties. He also alleged that some groups had blamed the All Progressives Congress (APC) for internal disagreements and violent clashes involving opposition parties.
He condemned politically motivated violence and urged political parties and their candidates to exercise restraint and focus on issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.
Onyia said the state’s ambition to grow its economy to $30 billion and position Enugu as a preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and living depended significantly on sustained peace and security.
He added that Governor Mbah had committed himself to protecting the lives and property of all residents, regardless of their religious beliefs or political affiliations.
The SSG also questioned the NDC’s decision to organise a campaign flag-off at the airport without the necessary authorisation, as well as its alleged decision to observe a minute’s silence for a living person.
He urged political parties to exercise their democratic rights responsibly and uphold standards of decorum and integrity throughout the electioneering period.
Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has nominated Abdullahi Yakubu as its governorship candidate, with Yahaya Abubakar Maikobi as running mate.
The Action Alliance (AA) nominated Musa Zubairu, with Shehu Buba as running mate, while the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) selected Ahmed Shuaibu as its governorship candidate, with Ismail Zailani as running mate.
(Arise Tv)
