The Enugu State Police Command has ordered an investigation into a shooting incident near the secretariat of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu, amid heightened political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The incident occurred on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at about 2:30 p.m., when unidentified armed men allegedly opened fire in front of the party’s state secretariat in the GRA area of Enugu.
According to the police, a man who was repairing a vehicle parked along the road sustained a suspected gunshot injury, while the windscreens of five vehicles were reportedly damaged during the incident.
The injured man was taken to hospital for treatment and was reported to be in stable condition.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The police announcement came amid controversy surrounding two separate incidents involving the opposition party on the same day.
Airport Confrontation Raises Tension
Earlier on Saturday, joint police and military operatives dispersed suspected NDC members who had gathered at the entrance of Akanu Ibiam International Airport to welcome the party’s Enugu State governorship candidate.
According to the police, airport authorities restricted the number of people attempting to enter the facility, leading to a misunderstanding that reportedly escalated into a fight.
Security operatives subsequently intervened to restore order.
The NDC had mobilised members and supporters for what it described as its statewide campaign flag-off, but the circumstances surrounding the airport gathering have since become a subject of controversy.
The Enugu State Government maintained that the party had not obtained the necessary approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to organise a rally at the airport.
The government said security agencies had advised the party to reconsider the planned gathering.
Enugu Government Denies Involvement
Reacting to allegations linking the state government to the incidents, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Ọnyia, denied any involvement by Governor Peter Mbah’s administration.
Ọnyia said the airport confrontation involved the NDC and federal authorities, while the shooting near the party secretariat was being investigated by the police.
He also rejected claims that the secretariat incident resulted in a death, identifying the injured party member as Ifeanyi Nworie, who he said was receiving medical attention.
The government further disputed allegations that the governor’s Chief Security Officer was present at the secretariat and supervised the shooting.
According to the SSG, the security officer was attending a separate political rally with the governor when the incident occurred.
The government condemned political violence and urged political parties to conduct their activities peacefully and in accordance with the law.
However, the police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and determine who was responsible.
Political Violence Raises Concerns Ahead of 2027
The latest incidents have renewed concerns about the safety of opposition politicians and their supporters as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development is particularly significant given an earlier attack on an NDC ward meeting in Obuofia, Nkanu West Local Government Area, on September 12, 2026.
During that incident, suspected political thugs reportedly stormed the gathering and opened fire.
The NDC subsequently identified eight members it said sustained gunshot injuries during the attack, although the police initially reported that two attendees were injured.
The September incident prompted a police investigation and the reported arrest of several suspects, including a traditional ruler and a former member of the House of Representatives.
The latest developments have further heightened political tensions in the state.
While the government has denied involvement in the incidents, the police have yet to publicly establish the identities of those responsible for the October 10 shooting.
Accountability Remains Crucial
With the 2027 elections approaching, the authorities face the responsibility of ensuring that political parties can organise meetings, mobilise supporters and campaign without fear of violence.
The investigation into the shooting near the NDC secretariat must establish the facts, identify the perpetrators and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
Equally, allegations made by political parties and government officials must be subjected to impartial investigation rather than political speculation.
The credibility of the security agencies will depend not only on their ability to restore order but also on their willingness to ensure that every political party receives equal protection under the law.
For Enugu, the immediate priority should be a transparent investigation and effective measures to prevent further violence as the 2027 electoral contest draws closer.
