The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned what it described as an unprovoked and “dastardly” attack on some of its members during a grassroots meeting in Obuoffia Ward, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The party alleged that its members were attacked while attending a peaceful meeting, describing the incident as a serious threat to democratic participation and the constitutional rights of citizens to freely associate and engage in political activities.
In a statement signed by the NDC National Publicity Secretary, OSA Director, Esq., the party said it would not accept what it described as continued attacks and intimidation of its members in Enugu State and other parts of the South-East.
The NDC alleged that the attacks were being carried out by individuals it described as “state-sponsored thugs” and called for an immediate end to such incidents.
The party maintained that as a registered political organisation, it has the constitutional right to organise meetings, mobilise supporters and participate peacefully in the political process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the NDC, attempts to prevent its members from holding meetings through violence or intimidation amount to an attack on the democratic process itself.
“This incessant assault on our members by state-sponsored thugs must stop,” the party said, insisting that no amount of intimidation would prevent it from exercising what it described as its constitutionally guaranteed right to peaceful political participation.
The party further described the reported violence in Enugu and other parts of the South-East as an affront to democracy and a violation of the freedom of association guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution.
The NDC warned individuals allegedly sponsoring attacks against its members that it would not remain silent in the face of further violence.
“No individual and no political party has a monopoly on violence,” the statement said, while adding that the party reserved the right to self-defence.
The NDC also expressed concern over what it described as the “complacency and lackadaisical attitude” of security agencies towards opposition political parties in Enugu State and across the South-East.
The party argued that the failure of security agencies to respond promptly and decisively to previous incidents had encouraged those responsible for attacking its members.
It recalled that the party had previously experienced two attacks in Imo State during a town hall meeting and consultation organised by its senatorial candidate, Uche Onyeagocha.
According to the NDC, the alleged attacks form part of a disturbing pattern that requires urgent intervention from security agencies and other relevant authorities.
The party also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State of being concerned about what it described as the growing momentum of the NDC ahead of the 2027 elections.
The NDC alleged that political opponents could be resorting to intimidation because of the party’s increasing grassroots mobilisation in the state.
It nevertheless insisted that no political group could prevent it from participating in the 2027 electoral process.
“The ruling APC in Enugu is clearly jittery and disturbed by the growing momentum of the NDC. However, no one can prevent the NDC from exercising its right to democratic participation in the 2027 general elections,” the statement said.
The party maintained that the reported attack would not discourage its members or supporters from continuing with its grassroots activities.
Instead, it said the incident had strengthened its determination to organise, mobilise supporters and canvass for votes across the state and the wider South-East.
The NDC said those behind the attacks would not achieve their alleged objective of creating fear among party members and supporters.
“If the goal of those sponsoring these thugs and attacks is to instil fear in the hearts of the people, they have failed woefully,” the party declared.
It described the incident as a cowardly act and said it would use the experience to further strengthen its resolve to defend democratic participation and engage voters across the region.
The party consequently called on security agencies to launch an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the attack in Obuoffia Ward.
It urged the authorities to identify those responsible for the alleged assault and investigate any individuals suspected of sponsoring or facilitating the incident.
The NDC also called for the prosecution of anyone found culpable, stressing that political violence should not be allowed to become a tool for suppressing opposition voices ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party said security agencies have a responsibility to protect all citizens and political organisations, irrespective of their political affiliations.
It further urged relevant authorities to ensure that opposition parties are able to conduct meetings, consultations and other lawful political activities without fear of intimidation or physical attacks.
The party concluded by reaffirming its commitment to democratic participation and grassroots mobilisation.
“The NDC will not be cowed. We will continue to organise, mobilise, and defend the democratic space,” it said.
The latest development comes as political parties intensify their grassroots activities and preparations for the 2027 general elections. With political mobilisation expected to increase in the coming months, the NDC’s call for stronger security measures highlights concerns over the potential impact of political violence on democratic participation.
The party said it would continue to pursue its political activities peacefully while calling on security agencies to ensure that all political actors are protected under the law.
