Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji has lamented the level of violence that characterised Saturday’s Senatorial by-election in Enugu North District, Enugu State.He stated that he was appalled that political competition in the state could descend to what he described as “a shameful level of barbarism, intimidation, and violence against innocent citizens whose only offence was exercising their democratic right to participate in the electoral process”.

Nnaji, who is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship candidate in the state for the 2027 general elections, expressed deep shock and disappointment how politics in Enugu State has allegedly deteriorated. Nnaji spoke when he visited and commiserated with victims of the violent attacks that occured during Saturday’s Senatorial by-election in Enugu North.

Several persons while trying to perform their civic rights were either allegedly intimidated or attacked by sponsored political thugs. Some of the victims are still recuperating in the hospitals. Speaking through a high-powered delegation he sent to visit and commiserate with victims of the violent attacks, Nnaji stated that the widespread reports of the attacks and harassment of voters have raised serious concerns about the state of democracy in the state.

Leader of the delegation, Basil Ani, said the former Minister argued that a government that genuinely enjoys the confidence and support of the people would have no reason to resort to force, intimidation, or the alleged deployment of political thugs to influence the outcome of an election.He further questioned the necessity of the massive mobilisation of political office holders, local government officials, and other individuals into the Enugu North Senatorial Zone on the eve of the election if, indeed, the ruling party enjoyed the overwhelming support that it publicly claims.

“If all the endorsements and public declarations of support truly reflected the wishes of the people, why was there a need for such an unprecedented deployment of political machinery and individuals into the zone a day before the election? Why were voters allegedly intimidated and prevented from freely expressing their democratic choices?” he asked.Nnaji maintained that democracy can only thrive where the will of the people is respected and where citizens are allowed to vote freely without fear of violence, intimidation, or coercion.

He assured the victims and their families that they would not be abandoned in their moment of distress. He pledged his continued support and solidarity, emphasizing that he would always stand with those who have remained loyal to the ideals of democracy, justice, and good governance.

“I want every victim and every family affected by these unfortunate incidents to know that they are not alone. I will continue to stand with them through thick and thin. I will never betray the trust and confidence of my supporters, and I remain committed to the pursuit of justice, peace, and democratic accountability in Enugu State,” he stated.

The delegation also conveyed Nnaji’s wishes for the speedy recovery of all those injured during the election and reiterated his call on relevant security agencies and electoral authorities to thoroughly investigate all reported incidents and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable in accordance with the law.The victims and their families expressed appreciation for the visit and thanked him for identifying with them during a difficult period, describing the gesture as a demonstration of compassion, leadership, and solidarity.