By Atlantic Reports

Three opposition parties in Enugu State have called for an investigation into alleged attacks on political supporters, following incidents the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says occurred after its governorship candidate arrived at Akanu Ibiam International Airport on Saturday.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), NDC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) made the demand at a joint press conference on Monday at the Press Centre in Enugu.

They urged security agencies and the Federal Government to protect opposition politicians and supporters and prevent further political violence.

NDC governorship candidate Chief Chinyeaka Ohaa alleged that he and supporters who came to welcome him were attacked on 10 October while returning from the airport.

He said several supporters sustained injuries, vehicles were damaged, and mobile phones belonging to journalists and party members were seized.

“When I arrived from the airport on Oct. 10, I was attacked and my members who came to welcome me were humiliated,” he said.

Ohaa alleged that security operatives prevented supporters from entering the airport and later blocked his convoy at different locations. He further claimed that attackers followed the convoy to the party’s campaign office, where another incident occurred.

The supplied account did not identify the alleged attackers or establish the number of people injured on Saturday.

Parties Demand Protection

Ohaa also alleged that eight supporters had been injured in an earlier attack several months ago, including two people who sustained serious injuries.

He urged the state government to investigate both incidents and ensure opposition parties could conduct lawful political activities without intimidation.

PDP governorship candidate Chief Uche Nnaji said the parties had gathered to express solidarity with the NDC and demand adequate security.

“We believe in politics without bitterness. Politics is not a do-or-die affair, and nobody should be harassed or killed because of political differences,” he said.

Nnaji called on security agencies, the Federal Government and the international community to pay attention to developments in the state.

ADC governorship candidate Chief Ocho Obodoeze alleged that his party had experienced similar disruption during a thanksgiving event, when supporters were chased away and canopies and chairs disturbed.

He also said the party had documented death threats and reported them to the Department of State Services. No response from the service was included in the account.

Obodoeze urged the state government to investigate opposition complaints rather than dismiss them.

State Government Denies Involvement

At a separate briefing on Sunday, the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, denied government involvement in the airport incident.

Onyia described it as a dispute between NDC members and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), saying the party had not obtained the required approval.

That explanation represents the state government’s account. The supplied material did not include a direct statement from FAAN or security agencies explaining what occurred.

An investigation would need to establish the sequence of events, the conduct of those involved, the reported injuries and property damage, and whether force was used unlawfully.

It would also need to distinguish any airport access dispute from the separate attack Ohaa alleged took place at the campaign office.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.