NDC kicks over attacks on members in Enugu

By Jude Opara

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned in strong terms what it described as the unprovoked and dastardly attack on its members during a grassroots meeting in Obuoffia Ward, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu state.

National Publicity Secretary (NPS) of the party, Osa Director in a statement on Monday frowned over the incident which he said was only aimed at intimidating and silencing the NDC members.

Director added that the NDC as a registered political party in the country has the constitutional right to freely participate in the electoral process.

“This incessant assault on our members by state-sponsored thugs must stop. 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 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. No individual and no political party has a monopoly on violence”.

The party equally urged the relevant agencies to put an end to the harassment and intimidation of its members across the country, warning that any further attack will not be tolerated.

“Those sponsoring thugs to attack NDC members should know that we reserve the right to self-defence. No further attack on our members will be tolerated.

“We also condemn the complacency and lackadaisical attitude of the security agencies towards the opposition in Enugu and across the South-East. Their failure to act promptly and decisively has emboldened these attackers.

“The NDC has previously been attacked twice in Imo State during a town hall meeting and consultation by the party’s senatorial candidate, Uche Onyeogocha.

“The ruling APC in Enugu is clearly jittery and disturbed by the growing momentum of the NDC. However, no one can prevent the NDC from exercising its right to democratic participation in the 2027 general elections”.

Director added that if the aim of those engaging in these attacks is to put fears in the people, they have already failed because the people have decided to vote for the candidate of their choice.

“If the goal of those sponsoring these thugs and attacks is to instill fear in the hearts of the people, they have failed woefully. This cowardly act will only strengthen our resolve to canvass and mobilise for the party and its candidates across the board.

“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”.

He states that the NDC will not be cowed, adding that it will continue to organise, mobilise, and defend the democratic space.