The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned what it called an unprovoked attack on its members during a grassroots meeting at Obuoffia Ward, in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
According to the party, one person was allegedly shot during the incident, which triggered panic among those present.
NDC has not independently confirmed the identity or condition of the person allegedly shot, and JolibaLive has not verified the footage of the incident circulating online
The alleged attack comes amid a tense atmosphere surrounding Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, in which NDC is fielding former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi as its presidential candidate.
Obi previously ran under the Labour Party in 2023 before joining the NDC earlier this year, and is positioned as one of President Bola Tinubu’s leading challengers alongside Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
General elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, according to Nigeria’s electoral timetable.
Opposition politicians and supporters have reported several incidents of disruption in recent months, including an alleged obstruction of Obi’s convoy in Benue State.
International wire services including Reuters have described the pre-election environment as tense, citing insecurity, economic hardship and divisions within the opposition.
In a statement, NDC National Publicity Secretary Osa Director said attacks on party members “by state-sponsored thugs must stop,” and insisted the party retains its constitutional right to hold peaceful gatherings.
“The violence visited on NDC members in Enugu and other parts of the South-East is an affront to Nigeria’s democracy and a direct attack on the freedom of association guaranteed by the Constitution,” the statement said. “No individual and no political party has a monopoly on violence… No further attack on our members will be tolerated,” it added.
Party Alleges Pattern Of Attacks Across South-East
NDC also criticised what it described as slow responses from security agencies in Enugu and the wider South-East, alleging their inaction had emboldened attackers.
The party said its members had faced two earlier alleged attacks in Imo State, during a town hall meeting held by its senatorial candidate, Uche Onyeogocha.
The party alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu is unsettled by NDC’s growing support in the state, though it did not present direct evidence linking the party to the Obuoffia incident.
“If the goal of those sponsoring these thugs and attacks is to instill fear in the hearts of the people, they have failed woefully,” the statement read. “This cowardly act will only strengthen our resolve to canvass and mobilise for the party and its candidates across the board.”
NDC called on security agencies to investigate the incident and identify those responsible, along with anyone who may have sponsored the attack.
“We hereby call on the security agencies to immediately launch a thorough investigation into this dastardly act and bring the perpetrators and their sponsors to justice without delay,” the party said, adding that it would continue organising and mobilising ahead of the 2027 vote.
JolibaLive has reached out to the Enugu State Police Command and the APC’s state chapter for comment and will update this report with any response.
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