The Enugu State Government has denied involvement in the disturbances involving the Nigeria Democratic Congress at Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the party’s state secretariat, insisting that the airport incident arose from a dispute between the party and federal authorities.
The government also disclosed that a 43-year-old man, identified as Ifeanyi Nworie, sustained a gunshot injury during a violent clash at the NDC secretariat in Enugu, adding that the police were investigating the incident.
It further alleged that some opposition elements were plotting to bring thugs into the state, although it did not provide details or identify those allegedly involved.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, stated these during a press conference at the Government House, Enugu, on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
The briefing followed incidents involving NDC members at the airport and the party’s state secretariat on Saturday, October 10.
Airport disturbance: Enugu govt blames lack of approval
Onyia said the airport incident was a matter between the NDC and federal authorities, particularly the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, which oversees the facility.
He said the state government conducted inquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the disturbance, given its commitment to maintaining peace and security.
According to him, the NDC had issued a notice inviting supporters and members of the public to what it described as its “Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off 2026” at the airport. The notice was also published on the Facebook page of the party’s governorship candidate in the state.
The SSG said the police advised the party to obtain approval from FAAN before security personnel could be deployed to the venue for the proposed event.
He added that the government’s findings indicated that the party did not secure the necessary authorisation to hold a statewide campaign rally at the airport.
“NDC, however, went ahead to mobilise its members to the airport for a flag-off of its statewide campaign, and the attempt to forcibly gain entry into the facility resulted in a face-off between them and the airport authorities,” Onyia said.
He stated that security operatives subsequently intervened and dispersed the party members to restore order around the airport, which he described as a strategic national asset.
The SSG said the government’s account was consistent with the statement issued by the Enugu State Police Command on Sunday.
Man sustains gunshot injury at NDC secretariat
On the separate incident at the NDC state secretariat in the GRA area of Enugu, Onyia said security reports indicated that a violent clash occurred at the premises on Saturday.
He disclosed that Nworie, 43, sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, where he received initial treatment before being transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, for further medical attention.
The government said the incident was under police investigation.
Onyia also dismissed reports alleging that people had died during the incident, insisting that the government’s findings did not support the claims.
“We can, therefore, authoritatively report that there were no deaths as falsely claimed by some reports and NDC leaders,” he said.
The SSG did not provide further details about the circumstances in which Nworie was shot or identify those suspected of being responsible.
Government warns against political violence
Onyia said Governor Peter Mbah had a constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of residents, irrespective of their political affiliations or religious beliefs.
He maintained that peace and security were essential to the administration’s ambition of developing Enugu into a $30bn economy and positioning the state as a destination for investment, business, tourism and residence.
The government, he said, had invested substantial resources in security and would not tolerate violence motivated by political interests.
“Consequently, the Enugu State Government strongly condemns in its entirety any form of violence, including politically induced violence in the state. We welcome healthy debate and freedom of association and peaceful assembly,” Onyia said.
He urged political parties and their candidates to conduct their activities responsibly ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that democratic rights should be exercised within the bounds of the law.
“We also believe that rights should come with responsibilities, and political parties should be true models of rectitude and politicians should embrace decorum and issues-based campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he added.
The government reiterated its opposition to politically motivated violence but did not provide further details to substantiate its allegation that opposition elements were planning to bring thugs into Enugu State.
