Enugu Opposition Leaders, Coalition Unite Against Wave of Violence, Intimidation

A tense political atmosphere has gripped Enugu State as major political stakeholders, candidates, and multi-party coalitions vehemently condemn an escalating wave of political violence, targeted office raids, and intimidation directed at opposition parties.

Speaking in a joint press conference in Enugu, on Monday, opposition leaders detailed a disturbing pattern of hostility across the state:

Airport Chaos: Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa recounted how supporters welcoming him at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport were tear-gassed and attacked by thugs, resulting in smashed vehicles, confiscated journalist phones, and severe injuries.

Brutal Assaults: The violence extended to armed raids on campaign offices and opposition strongholds, leaving multiple victims with gunshot wounds and grave internal trauma requiring emergency surgery—including an incident where over 15 people were shot at an NDC senatorial candidate's stronghold.

Systemic Harassment: African Democratic Congress (ADC) Governorship Candidate Chief Ocho Obodoeze highlighted prior documented attacks on party gatherings, warning that projectiles and intimidation threaten democratic peace. Ohaa also decried the unlawful arrest of a citizen who live-streamed the airport violence while actual perpetrators roam free.

A Unified Front for Accountability

In response to the crisis, a coalition of major political parties—uniting leaders from the PDP, ADC, Labour Party, and APGA, spearheaded by figures like PDP governorship candidate Wakibiah Uche Nnaji—stepped forward in solidarity.

The coalition stressed that politics must not be a "do-or-die" affair and firmly distanced national leadership and major platforms from the aggression. Rejecting official excuses from state authorities, the coalition and candidates like Obodoeze Ocho issued strong demands for federal security agencies and the international community to beam a searchlight on Enugu State, arrest known perpetrators, and guarantee the protection of law-abiding citizens.

Despite what they term state-sponsored aggression, the opposition remains resolute in running peaceful, issue-based campaigns, declaring that democratic participation and public safety must be restored to the capital of Igboland.