Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned an attack on party supporters in Enugu State, warning that political violence could threaten everyone regardless of political affiliation.
Obi's reaction followed attacks on NDC supporters in Enugu on Saturday, October 10, 2026, when suspected political thugs disrupted gatherings at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the party's state secretariat.
The incident reportedly left several people injured, damaged vehicles and prompted allegations of gunfire during the confrontation. Obi said the attack had reportedly claimed one life, although the Enugu State Government subsequently disputed reports of a death.
Peter Obi Warns Against Political Violence
Reacting to the incident in a statement shared on social media, Obi expressed concern over the growing tension surrounding political activities and warned those in positions of authority about the consequences of allowing disorder to spread.
“The unfortunate incident that happened today in Enugu State, where NDC supporters were attacked by political thugs, has reportedly claimed one life,” Obi said.
He added: “Those in government should know that when anarchy comes, it consumes everybody.”
Obi's remarks highlighted concerns about the safety of political supporters and the ability of opposition parties to organise meetings and campaign activities without intimidation.
The former Anambra governor also called attention to threats that he said had affected his own political engagements in different parts of the country.
Obi Reveals Cancellation of Engagements Over Threats
Obi disclosed that some of his scheduled engagements in different states had been cancelled after individuals who invited him reportedly received threats.
According to reports of his statement, the threats forced organisers to abandon the planned events, raising concerns about the freedom of political actors to participate in public gatherings.
Obi did not publicly provide further details about the specific engagements that were cancelled or identify those responsible for the alleged threats.
His account, however, added to concerns about the environment in which political parties and their supporters are preparing for the 2027 general elections.
How the Attack on NDC Supporters Unfolded
The confrontation in Enugu began on Saturday when supporters gathered at Akanu Ibiam International Airport to welcome the party's governorship candidate, Chinyeaka Ohaa, who had arrived ahead of the NDC's campaign flag-off.
According to Premium Times, suspected political thugs dispersed supporters at the airport, with videos showing people running for safety amid sporadic gunfire.
One video reportedly showed a man being struck with a plank and suffering a head injury. Supporters also complained that their vehicles had been damaged.
The violence later spread to the NDC state secretariat in Enugu, where another confrontation occurred during the party's campaign activities. Videos obtained by Premium Times showed supporters fleeing the premises as gunshots rang out.
The NDC subsequently accused security personnel of failing to protect its members and demanded an independent investigation into the incidents.
The party also disputed the government's account of the airport gathering, insisting that its supporters had gone there to welcome their candidate and that relevant authorities had been notified of the planned reception.
Enugu Government Disputes Reports of a Death
The Enugu State Government condemned the violence but rejected reports that anyone had died during the incidents.
Secretary to the State Government Chidiebere Onyia said a 43-year-old man, identified as Ifeanyi Nworie, sustained a gunshot wound during the incident at the NDC secretariat.
According to Onyia, Nworie was taken to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital before being transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Enugu for further examination.
The government said the injured man had been stabilised and insisted that reports of his death were false. It also said police were investigating the incident.
The NDC, however, rejected the government's account of the events surrounding the airport gathering and said it was verifying the medical status of injured members.
The conflicting accounts mean that the reported death cited in Obi's reaction had not been independently established in the available reports.
The circumstances surrounding the violence, including responsibility for the attacks and the allegations against security personnel, require further investigation.
Opposition Parties Demand Investigation
The attacks have drawn condemnation from opposition parties in Enugu, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the NDC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
At a joint press conference on Monday, October 12, representatives of the parties called on security agencies and the Federal Government to intervene and protect opposition politicians and their supporters.
The NDC's governorship candidate, Chinyeaka Ohaa, said his supporters were attacked while welcoming him at the airport and later at the party's campaign office. He reported injuries, damaged vehicles and the seizure of mobile phones belonging to some party members and journalists.
The opposition parties called for those responsible to be identified and held accountable, warning that political violence could undermine democratic participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Enugu State Government has denied involvement in the attacks and said it supports peaceful political activities.
Concerns Grow Ahead of the 2027 Elections
The incident has renewed concerns about political violence as parties prepare for the next general elections.
Obi's warning that anarchy affects everyone reflects the concern that attacks on political gatherings can extend beyond individual parties, threatening public safety and citizens' ability to participate freely in the democratic process.
For the NDC, the immediate demands are for adequate protection of its members, a transparent investigation and accountability for those responsible.
As the competing accounts of the Enugu incident remain under scrutiny, the response of security agencies and the outcome of the investigation will be important in establishing what happened and whether anyone should face prosecution.
