APC distances self from political violence in Enugu

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The Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has faulted those linking the party, its leaders and the state administration to political violence in the Nkanu West Local Government Area of the state.

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The party in a statement on Tuesday by its State Publicity Secretary, Chief Uche Obute, described the allegations as “misleading, unsubstantiated and politically motivated.”

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The ruling party urged law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident and make public their reports.

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The party added that it would support the prosecution of anyone found culpable of violence or criminality, irrespective of political affiliation or status.

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“The APC has nothing to fear from a transparent investigation and will continue to uphold the principles of democracy, justice and the rule of law,” the statement added.

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The party also rejected attempts to link Governor Peter Mbah with the alleged incident, arguing that his administration had prioritised peace, security, development and good governance in the state.

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It said, “It is therefore difficult to reconcile allegations of sponsorship of violence with an administration that has consistently placed security, development and good governance among its major priorities.”

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The APC further appealed to opposition parties to exercise restraint and avoid “character assassination, misinformation, inflammatory rhetoric and unsubstantiated accusations.”

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The party urged its members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, warning them not to be provoked by rumours or inflammatory political statements.

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The APC said political disagreements should be resolved through democratic and lawful processes rather than confrontation or violence.

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The party added that it remained committed to supporting the development agenda of the Mbah administration and urged citizens to protect the peace and stability of Enugu State.

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“Nkanu West is peaceful. Enugu State is peaceful. Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah remains committed to peace, security, law and development,” the statement added.

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The National Democratic Congress in Enugu State had on Monday released the names of eight party members who sustained gunshot injuries on Saturday after unidentified hoodlums invaded their political gathering in the Obuofia, Nkanu West LGA.

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The media aide to the NDC governorship candidate, Mr Sampson Ukwu, in a statement said the victim list was confirmed as Onovo Donald Ekene, Ngene Godwin Madueke, Ogbodo Gloria, Onovo Victor, Maduabuchi Ugwu, Nnaemeka Nelson, Chinonso Nwagbara, and Obinna Daniel Owo.

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The attack occurred during the party’s state-wide monthly ward meeting in Ihuani Awkunanaw, the hometown of the NDC governorship candidate, Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa.

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Beyond the bodily harm inflicted on party members, the party said the invading gunmen destroyed several party materials, canopies, and plastic chairs at the venue.

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Condemning the bloody assault as a calculated act of political intimidation aimed at suppressing opposition forces in Enugu, Ukwu noted that the incident fits into a disturbing pattern following similar violent disruptions recently reported in Akpugo and Obe wards.

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The NDC leadership petitioned the Enugu State Police Command and the Department of State Services to track down and arrest the attackers.

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Ohaa maintained that the opposition party would not yield to fear ahead of the 2027 governorship race.

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“The entire NDC family in Enugu State remains undeterred. We will not be intimidated. We will not abandon our people. We will continue our peaceful and issue-based campaign until the will of Ndi Enugu prevails in 2027,” Ohaa said.

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The Enugu State Police Command confirmed the attack, through the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, in a statement.

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The police also confirmed a separate attack on a Peoples Democratic Party rally at St Joseph Primary School, Agbani, in the Nkanu West LGA.

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