The Enugu State Government has alleged that some opposition elements are planning to bring armed thugs and bandits into the state to create panic and a false impression of insecurity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, made the allegation on Sunday, October 11, 2026, during a press conference at the Government House in Enugu. His remarks came amid controversy over incidents involving members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) at Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the party’s state secretariat on Saturday.
The government said it was concerned about attempts to portray the state as unsafe and the administration as intolerant of opposition political activities. However, it did not publicly provide specific details to independently establish the alleged plan to import armed groups.
Government Raises Alarm Over Security Concerns
Onyia reiterated the government’s position that political violence, intimidation and attempts to disrupt public peace would not be tolerated.
He alleged that some opposition figures were seeking to create insecurity and undermine public confidence in the state ahead of the elections. The government maintained that the protection of lives and property remained a priority, regardless of residents’ political affiliations.
The allegation comes at a time when political parties are beginning to intensify their activities and preparations for the 2027 elections. Security concerns surrounding political gatherings have consequently become an important issue for residents, party members and other stakeholders.
The government urged political actors to exercise restraint and focus on issue-based campaigns rather than actions that could heighten tension.
NDC Incidents Prompt Government Response
The press conference also addressed incidents involving NDC members at Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the party’s state secretariat in Enugu on Saturday, October 10.
According to Onyia, the government’s preliminary findings indicated that the airport confrontation followed the party’s attempt to hold a campaign flag-off event at the facility without obtaining the necessary approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
He said security agencies had advised the organisers to secure the relevant authorisation before proceeding with the planned gathering.
The government alleged that the party mobilised supporters to the airport despite not obtaining the required approval, leading to a confrontation with airport authorities. Security personnel subsequently intervened to restore order.
Onyia maintained that the airport incident involved the party and federal authorities, while denying that the state government had directed or participated in the confrontation.
Police Investigate Shooting at Party Secretariat
The SSG also addressed reports of violence at the NDC state secretariat in the Government Reserved Area of Enugu.
He said a violent clash had occurred at the party office and that the police were investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to the government’s account, a 43-year-old man, Ifeanyi Nworie, sustained a gunshot wound and received initial treatment at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, before being transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Enugu for further examination.
Onyia disputed reports that the incident resulted in a death, insisting that the government’s findings indicated that no fatality had occurred. That account was presented by the state government as the police investigation continued.
He also denied allegations that Governor Peter Mbah’s Chief Security Officer, Ifeanyi Osondu, was present at the secretariat and supervised the shooting. Onyia said the security officer was with the governor at a Teachers’ Grassroots Movement rally at Okpara Square when the incident occurred.
The allegations and counterclaims surrounding the incident underscore the need for a transparent investigation capable of establishing what happened and identifying anyone responsible for criminal conduct.
Government Calls for Restraint Ahead of 2027
Onyia said the state government remained committed to protecting the rights of residents to associate freely, attend political gatherings, campaign and vote for candidates of their choice.
He also urged political parties and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and avoid actions that could provoke confrontation or deepen divisions.
The government argued that political competition should be based on policies, leadership records and proposals for development. It maintained that political differences should not become a justification for violence or attempts to intimidate supporters of rival parties.
The SSG further accused some opposition figures of attributing internal disagreements and clashes to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. These accusations formed part of the government’s broader response to the recent incidents.
Calls for Credible Investigations and Political Peace
The allegation of a plan to bring armed groups into Enugu raises questions that require clear answers from the relevant authorities. Establishing whether such a plot exists would require credible evidence and appropriate security investigations, rather than political accusations alone.
Similarly, the police investigation into the shooting at the NDC secretariat will be important in determining the circumstances of the incident and whether any individuals should face prosecution.
As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, the handling of political disputes and security incidents will remain significant to public confidence in the electoral process.
The state government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and protecting democratic rights. Ensuring that this commitment is applied impartially will require the protection of all political parties, the transparent investigation of alleged violence and equal respect for lawful political activity.
Ultimately, residents of Enugu State have a stake in an electoral environment where political disagreements can be expressed without fear and where allegations of violence are investigated on the strength of evidence. A peaceful campaign period will depend not only on public assurances but also on the conduct of political actors and the impartial enforcement of the law.
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