Demand IGP’s Probe, 14-day Report; Allege ₦150m Campaign Advertising Fees
By Jane Daniels
Three opposition governorship candidates in Enugu State have called on the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to order an independent probe into the alleged political violence in the state, demanding an interim report within 14 days.
The candidates, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Uche Nnaji of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Ozor Obodoeze Ocho of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the demand at a joint press conference in Enugu on Monday.
They alleged that attacks on political gatherings, supporters and campaign offices, alongside restrictions on opposition activities, were threatening democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The opposition leaders specifically cited the October 10 incident involving NDC supporters at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the party’s campaign office in Enugu, calling for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the reported violence.
They urged the IGP to constitute an independent investigative team with substantial representation from outside the Enugu State Police Command to identify those responsible and restore public confidence in the police.
The candidates also cited alleged attacks on PDP ward meetings in Akpugo, Obe and Agbani in Nkanu West Local Government Area, the disruption of an NDC meeting at Obuoffia and reported gunfire during a reception for PDP deputy governorship candidate, Chief Chijioke Peter Uche, in Nsukka on October 3.
According to them, armed men allegedly disrupted the Nkanu West meetings, assaulted party members, fired shots and destroyed canopies, chairs, tables and other campaign materials.
They demanded clarification on the alleged involvement of local government security personnel and disclosure of investigation findings and arrests, if any.
Ohaa, a former federal permanent secretary, alleged that his homecoming and the inauguration of his campaign office were disrupted by security operatives and armed men, leaving supporters injured, vehicles damaged and journalists deprived of their phones.
He said the NDC had notified the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) about the planned airport reception.
According to him, the party paid the required airport fees and complied with relevant procedures, insisting that it had no intention of conducting campaign activities on the airport tarmac.
Ohaa alleged that armed men blocked his convoy at different points before confronting him.
“When I came there, they blocked me face to face. And I came out and said, ‘Okay, you want to shoot me? Shoot me,’” he recounted.
The NDC candidate claimed that eight people were injured, including a woman reportedly shot in the breast and another victim who allegedly sustained severe abdominal injuries.
The candidates also cited reported injuries involving Umar Abdulkarim, Muhammad Musa and Hassan Gora at the campaign office, alleging that Moses Arisi sustained a serious head injury.
They called for a thorough investigation into the reported injuries, the conduct of security personnel and the alleged detention of individuals connected with the incidents.
To ensure accountability, the opposition leaders urged investigators to examine airport CCTV footage, access registers, security deployment orders, ammunition records, telephone and radio logs, and duty rosters.
They also demanded clarification on who authorised the alleged use of tear gas or firearms, the number of rounds reportedly discharged and whether recovered weapons or ammunition had undergone forensic examination.
Nnaji condemned alleged attacks on opposition supporters and called for accountability, warning against do-or-die politics. He also alleged restrictions on campaigns, citing advertising fees of up to ₦150 million and fines of ₦50 million for unauthorised posters.
Ocho disclosed that the ADC had also suffered the destruction of a thanksgiving canopy and venue, urging authorities to prevent further political violence.
The trio demanded medical assistance for victims, protection for witnesses and journalists, and prosecution of anyone found culpable. They also called for an independent investigation, fair campaign regulations and a public peace accord to guarantee peaceful political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
