…police seek probe

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Basil Ani, has warned that growing political tension and alleged violence in Enugu State could affect President Bola Tinubu’s popularity in the state in the 2027 general elections.

Ani, in a press statement issued on Sunday, said growing anger over alleged attacks on PDP members and supporters was increasingly being transferred to the Federal Government and, by extension, the President.

He warned that the situation could trigger a protest vote against Tinubu if the Federal Government was perceived as failing to intervene in the alleged political violence.

According to him, what began largely as opposition to the administration of Governor Peter Mbah was gradually assuming a wider dimension, with some opposition politicians, and other citizens questioning the Federal Government’s response to developments in the state.

Ani cited alleged attacks on PDP activities in different communities in Enugu East and the reported attacks on two PDP ward meetings on Saturday, September 12, during which more than eight people were reportedly injured, while property was destroyed.

“The allegations are grave and raise a much larger question: Can citizens freely participate in political activities in Enugu State without fear of violence or intimidation?” he asked.

Ani said the incidents had generated concern among political stakeholders, particularly against the backdrop of what he described as the absence of publicly known arrests or decisive action over the alleged attacks.

He urged security and law-enforcement agencies to investigate the incidents and prosecute anyone found culpable, irrespective of political affiliation.

The PDP chieftain said the Federal Government should not view the situation through the narrow prism of the rivalry between the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC), but as an issue concerning democratic stability.

“If PDP members are attacked, investigate it. If APC members are attacked, investigate it. If supporters of any other political party are attacked, investigate it,” he said.

Ani further warned that traditional rulers and religious leaders could influence the political calculations of their communities if they became convinced that the Federal Government was indifferent to the alleged victimisation of their people.

He said accounts emerging from political circles indicated that some traditional rulers and religious leaders who had previously supported arrangements aimed at securing Tinubu‘s re-election, while backing their preferred candidates for state offices under the PDP, were now questioning whether such arrangements should continue.

According to him, some of the traditional rulers had reportedly told their subjects that if the President allowed the situation to continue unchecked, voters should consider expressing their displeasure at the ballot box in 2027.

Ani said the emergence of Uche Nnaji as a major opposition figure and PDP governorship candidate had further intensified the political contest in the state.

He noted that perception could become as politically consequential as established facts, particularly where allegations remained unresolved.

“The President does not need to take sides in the Enugu political contest. He needs to take the side of democracy,” Ani said.

He warned that unresolved allegations, political violence and perceived official indifference could become major issues before the electorate in the 2027 elections.

Ani said the growing anger against Mbah could become a political liability for Tinubu if the Federal Government was perceived as protecting, tolerating or ignoring the circumstances fuelling the resentment.

“The warning signs are already visible. The question is whether Abuja is paying attention,” he said.

Meanwhile, perturbed by the reported attacks, Commissioner of Police, Enugu, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to thoroughly investigate two separate incidents of alleged disruption of political gatherings in Nkanu West LGA on September 12, 2026, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to book.

In a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, he said that the first incident occurred at the Ndiuno-Obuoffia community, where it was alleged that armed hoodlums disrupted an NDC ward meeting with sporadic shooting and injured two attendees.

He said the second occurred at St. Joseph Primary School, Agbani, where hoodlums also allegedly destroyed canopies and chairs prepared for a PDP rally.

Ndukwe clarified that Police operatives were promptly deployed to both scenes upon receipt of the reports to prevent further breaches and track down the fleeing suspects, despite lack of prior notification or request for police security coverage for either gathering.

He reiterated the position of the Commissioner during his meeting with leaders of political parties in the State that all political activities must be conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law.

He reminded that the Commissioner stressed that electoral offences remain punishable under the law and warned political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders against violence, intimidation, destruction of property or any conduct capable of disrupting public peace and the electoral process.

“The Commissioner urges political parties and stakeholders to promptly notify the Police of their campaigns, meetings, rallies and other gatherings to facilitate appropriate security arrangements. He assures the public that the Command will continue to maintain a peaceful and secure environment for lawful political activities and deal decisively with anyone who violates the law”, he stated.