Enugu APC Denies Sponsoring Attacks Against Opposition

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Enugu State chapter, has debunked suspicions linking the party to the recurring attacks during meetings of opposition parties in the state.

THE WHISTLERreported that about eight persons were wounded when hoodlums attacked a ward meeting at Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area of the state last week. A ward meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party was also attacked at Agbani the same day. Prior to the attacks, NDC had alleged that the campaign offices of its House of Representatives candidate for Nkanu West/Nkanu East Federal Constituency were vandalised in Nkanu West.

The spokesman of the NDC guber candidate in the state, Mr Samson Ugwu, had accused the state of not showing enough concerns over the attacks.

APC, in a statement issued by its state Publicity Secretary, Mr Uche Obute, described the allegations as “misleading, unsubstantiated, and politically motivated”.

Obute called for a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the facts surrounding the reported incidents, but warned against its degeneration to violence, character assassination, or the spread of unverified claims.

According to him, “It is difficult to reconcile allegations of sponsorship of violence with an administration that has consistently placed security, development, and good governance among its major priorities.”

APC therefore appealed to opposition parties and other political actors in the state to exercise restraint and engage in constructive political activities. It warned against the use of an unfortunate incident to create tension in the state.

According to the party, Governor Peter Mbah’s ancestral and political ties to Nkanu made allegations linking him to violence in the area particularly unfortunate.

“As a son of Nkanu, the peace, security, development, and wellbeing of the people remain matters of profound importance to him,” it said.

The party called on relevant security and law-enforcement agencies to conduct a “thorough, impartial, and professional investigation” into the incident, stressing that anyone found culpable should face the full weight of the law, regardless of political affiliation or status.

“The APC has nothing to fear from a transparent investigation and will continue to uphold the principles of democracy, justice, and the rule of law,” the party said.

It also urged its members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, particularly in the face of what it described as rumours, misinformation, and inflammatory political statements. The party appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, youth organisations, and civil society groups to promote peace and dialogue.

The APC said political differences should be resolved through “dialogue, democratic participation, and lawful processes rather than confrontation or violence”.

It reaffirmed its support for the Mbah administration and urged political actors not to allow disputes to derail development efforts in the state.

Meanwhile, the Enugu State Police Command has advised political parties to officially inform the command during their meetings.

The state PPRO, SP Daniel Ndukwe, gave the advice while speaking on the spate of political violence in the state. He said the state Commissioner of Police, CP Bitrus Giwa, championed a meeting involving all the political parties in the state to ensure peaceful campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said, “It is a collective responsibility. Police have a duty to ensure peace in the state during campaigns. There are laws, and anybody found culpable will face the the wrath. We advise political parties to inform the police ahead of their meetings for security.”