The Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has denied involvement in the reported attack on members of the National Democratic Congress during a political meeting in Nkanu West Local Government Area, calling for a full investigation into the incident.
The APC made its position known on Tuesday in a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Chief Uche Obute. The party rejected allegations that its leaders or the administration of Governor Peter Mbah had any connection with the violence.
The party described the allegations as politically driven and lacking proper evidence, while urging security agencies to investigate the incident without bias and establish what happened.
The APC said it would support the arrest and prosecution of anyone found responsible for the attack, regardless of the person’s political party or position. It also stated that it had no reason to oppose an open investigation into the matter.
The party rejected claims involving Governor Mbah, saying his administration had made peace, security, development and good governance key areas of its activities in the state.
It further appealed to opposition parties and political actors to avoid spreading unverified information or making accusations that could worsen political tension in Enugu. The party urged politicians to conduct their activities responsibly as the 2027 elections approach.
The APC also called on its members and supporters to remain peaceful and avoid reacting to rumours or provocative statements. It appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, youth groups and civil society organisations to help maintain peace across the state.
According to the party, political differences should be handled through lawful and democratic means instead of violence or confrontation. It also reaffirmed its support for the development programmes of the Mbah administration.
The development followed an attack reported by the National Democratic Congress in Enugu on Saturday during a ward meeting in Obuofia, Nkanu West. The opposition party said eight of its members suffered gunshot injuries after armed men reportedly invaded the gathering.
The affected members were identified as Onovo Donald Ekene, Ngene Godwin Madueke, Ogbodo Gloria, Onovo Victor, Maduabuchi Ugwu, Nnaemeka Nelson, Chinonso Nwagbara and Obinna Daniel Owo.
The incident took place during the NDC’s monthly ward meeting at Ihuani Awkunanaw, an area associated with the party’s 2027 governorship candidate, Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa. Party materials, canopies and plastic chairs were also reportedly destroyed during the attack.
The NDC alleged that the incident was part of a growing pattern of political violence, referring to previous disruptions reported in Akpugo and Obe wards. The party subsequently called on the Enugu State Police Command and the Department of State Services to identify and arrest those behind the attack.
Ohaa said the incident would not stop the party from participating in political activities or campaigning ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The Enugu State Police Command later confirmed the attack through its spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe. The police also confirmed another incident involving a Peoples Democratic Party rally at St Joseph Primary School in Agbani, Nkanu West, where hoodlums allegedly damaged canopies and chairs prepared for the event.
With political activities already increasing ahead of the 2027 elections, the APC urged all parties and their supporters to avoid actions capable of creating further tension and to allow security agencies to determine those responsible for the reported attacks.