A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Basil Ani, has warned that growing political tension and alleged attacks on opposition gatherings in Enugu State could affect President Bola Tinubu’s support in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ani, in a statement, said anger over alleged attacks on PDP members and supporters was increasingly being directed at the Federal Government and, by extension, the President.
He claimed that if the Federal Government was perceived as failing to address the alleged political violence, the situation could influence voters’ attitudes towards the 2027 election.
According to him, what initially centred largely on opposition to the administration of Governor Peter Mbah had gradually assumed a wider dimension, with opposition politicians, traditional rulers and other citizens questioning the Federal Government’s response to developments in the state.
Ani cited alleged attacks on PDP activities, including a ward meeting at Akpugo Ward 3 on August 16 and another meeting at Obe Ward, Nkanu West Local Government Area, on August 29.
He also referred to alleged attacks on two political gatherings on September 12, during which more than eight people were reportedly injured and property destroyed.
“The allegations are grave and raise a much larger question: Can citizens freely participate in political activities in Enugu State without fear of violence or intimidation?” he asked.
The PDP chieftain called on security and law-enforcement agencies to investigate the incidents and prosecute anyone found culpable, regardless of political affiliation.
Ani said the Federal Government should treat the matter as an issue of democratic stability rather than merely as a dispute between the PDP and the All Progressives Congress.
“If PDP members are attacked, investigate it. If APC members are attacked, investigate it. If supporters of any other political party are attacked, investigate it,” he said.
He further said traditional rulers and religious leaders could become involved in the political calculations of their communities if they believed the Federal Government was indifferent to alleged attacks on their people.
Ani said the emergence of Chief Uche Nnaji as a major opposition figure and PDP governorship candidate had further heightened political competition in the state.
“The President does not need to take sides in the Enugu political contest. He needs to take the side of democracy,” he said.
Police Order Probe
Meanwhile, the Enugu State Police Command has directed an investigation into two separate incidents involving alleged disruption of political gatherings in Nkanu West Local Government Area on September 12.
The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the incidents and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.
Police spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe, said one incident occurred at Ndiuno-Obuoffia, where armed hoodlums allegedly disrupted a political meeting with sporadic shooting, injuring two attendees.
He said another incident occurred at St. Joseph Primary School, Agbani, where hoodlums allegedly destroyed canopies and chairs prepared for a PDP rally.
According to the police, operatives were deployed to the locations after receiving reports of the incidents, while efforts were launched to identify and apprehend fleeing suspects.
The command also noted that the gatherings had not previously been reported to the police for security coverage.
The Commissioner urged political parties and other stakeholders to notify the police ahead of campaigns, rallies and meetings to enable appropriate security arrangements.
The command warned political parties, candidates and supporters against violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other acts capable of disrupting public peace and the electoral process.
