The Nigeria Democratic Congress has condemned an alleged attack on its members during a grassroots meeting in Obuoffia Ward, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The opposition party described the incident as a “dastardly and unprovoked attack,” alleging that thugs disrupted the meeting and assaulted some of its members.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, OSA Director, the NDC called on security agencies to immediately investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible, including their alleged sponsors, are brought to justice.
The party said it had a constitutional right to organise meetings and participate peacefully in the democratic process without intimidation or violence.
“As a registered political party, we have every constitutional right to participate in the democratic process through peaceful assembly. No amount of intimidation will silence this constitutionally guaranteed right,” the statement said.
The NDC alleged that the incident was part of a wider pattern of attacks against its members in Enugu and other parts of the South-East, describing the development as a threat to democratic participation and freedom of association.
It also accused security agencies of what it described as a “complacent and lackadaisical attitude” towards attacks involving opposition supporters in the region.
“Their failure to act promptly and decisively has emboldened these attackers,” the party said.
The NDC recalled that its members had previously been attacked in Imo State during a town hall meeting and consultation involving its senatorial candidate, Uche Onyeagocha.
The party further alleged that the All Progressives Congress in Enugu was “jittery and disturbed” by what it described as the growing momentum of the opposition.
However, the NDC insisted that the alleged attacks would not stop it from mobilising supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“No one can prevent the NDC from exercising its right to democratic participation in the 2027 general elections,” it said.
The party urged the security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the Obuoffia Ward incident, identify the perpetrators and establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack.
It also demanded that anyone found culpable, including those alleged to have sponsored the violence, be prosecuted.
The NDC said it would continue its grassroots mobilisation and political activities despite what it described as attempts to intimidate its members.
“The NDC will not be cowed. We will continue to organise, mobilise, and defend the democratic space,” the party declared.