Airport clash: Enugu govt denies involvement, blames NDC

•Alleges plot to import armed thugs, bandits ahead of 2027 polls

From Jude Chinedu, Enugu

The Enugu State Government has denied involvement in Saturday’s confrontation between the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and airport authorities at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, blaming the party for allegedly attempting to hold a campaign rally at the facility without the necessary approval.

The government also denied involvement in a separate violent clash at the NDC state secretariat in the GRA, Enugu, which left one person with a gunshot wound, insisting that the incident was being investigated by the police.

Addressing a press conference at the Government House, Enugu, yesterday, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the airport incident was a matter between the NDC and federal authorities.

He, however, said the state government had investigated the circumstances surrounding the incident and found that the party failed to obtain approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) before mobilising its members to the airport for what it described as its “Grand statewide campaign flag-off 2026”.

Onyia said the NDC publicised the planned rally through its state chapter and the Facebook page of its governorship candidate. He said the police had advised the party to secure FAAN’s approval before deploying security personnel to the airport for the event, but the party allegedly proceeded without the required authorisation.

“Further findings, however, revealed that the NDC did not secure the approval of FAAN to host a grand statewide rally at its facility. Security agencies, therefore, advised the organisers of the rally to rethink it,” he said.

The SSG added that the party went ahead to mobilise its members to the airport, resulting in a confrontation with airport authorities when they allegedly attempted to force their way into the facility. He said security agencies subsequently intervened and dispersed the party members to restore order around the strategic national asset.

Onyia maintained that the government’s findings were consistent with the statement issued by the Enugu State Police Command yesterday.

On the incident at the NDC secretariat, the SSG said security reports confirmed a violent clash at the party’s office on Saturday, adding that the police had commenced an investigation.

He disclosed that one Ifeanyi Nworie, 43, sustained a gunshot wound and was rushed to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, GRA, Enugu, where he was stabilised before being transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, for further medical attention. The government dismissed reports of fatalities during the incident, accusing some reports and NDC leaders of falsely claiming that people had died.

“We can, therefore, authoritatively report that there were no deaths as falsely claimed by some reports and NDC leaders,” Onyia said.

He also denied allegations that the governor’s Chief Security Officer was present at the NDC secretariat and supervised the shooting, insisting that the official was with Governor Peter Mbah at the Teachers Grassroots Movement mega rally, at the Okpara Square, Enugu, at the time of the incident.

The SSG further accused opposition figures of attempting to mislead the public for political advantage, citing the alleged holding of a minute’s silence for a person he described as still alive. He said the government condemned all forms of violence, including politically motivated attacks, while reaffirming its commitment to freedom of association, peaceful assembly, and healthy political debate.

“Rights should come with responsibilities, and political parties should be true models of rectitude and politicians should embrace decorum and issues-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general election,” he said.

Beyond the two incidents, Onyia alleged that some opposition elements were plotting to import armed thugs and bandits into Enugu State to create panic and insecurity ahead of the 2027 general election. He accused opposition parties of attempting to create the impression that the state was unsafe and the government was intolerant of dissent, arguing that such allegations were part of a pattern of political desperation.

“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 also accused opposition parties in the state of frequently attributing violent clashes arising from their internal leadership disputes to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He cited the September 12, 2026 incident at Obuofia, Nkanu West Local Government Area, as an example, saying investigations had identified the alleged perpetrators, who were being prosecuted by the police.

Onyia said the administration of Governor Mbah had no reason to resort to desperate measures ahead of the 2027 election, insisting that it remained committed to protecting the rights of citizens to support and vote for candidates of their choice.

“For emphasis, the Enugu State Government, led by Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, reiterates its commitment to freedoms and democratic rights of the citizens, including the freedom to campaign or vote for candidates of their choice in the forthcoming general election,” he said.

He added that the government believed Mbah’s performance in office would secure his re-election in 2027, stressing that the right of Ndi Enugu to elect their leaders through free, fair and credible elections remained paramount.

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