By Chimezie Godfrey
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned an alleged attack on its members during a grassroots meeting in Obuoffia Ward, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, describing the incident as an assault on the party’s constitutional right to peaceful political participation.
The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Osa Director, Esq., stated this in a statement condemning the incident, alleging that the attack was carried out by “state-sponsored thugs” and warning that continued intimidation of its members would not stop the party from participating in the 2027 general elections.
Director said the party had the constitutional right to organise and hold peaceful meetings, stressing that “no amount of intimidation will silence this constitutionally guaranteed right.”
He condemned what he described as repeated attacks on NDC members in Enugu and other parts of the South-East, saying such incidents constituted an affront to democratic participation and the freedom of association guaranteed by the Constitution.
The NDC spokesman also criticised the security agencies for what he described as a complacent and lackadaisical attitude towards opposition members in Enugu and across the South-East.
Director recalled that the party had previously reported two attacks in Imo State during a town hall meeting and consultation by its senatorial candidate, Uche Onyeagocha.
He alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress in Enugu was “jittery and disturbed” by what he described as the growing momentum of the NDC, insisting that the party would continue to exercise its right to democratic participation.
According to Director, attempts to intimidate NDC members would not achieve the desired objective, saying the latest incident would instead strengthen the party’s resolve to mobilise support for its candidates across the country.
He said the NDC had called on security agencies to immediately investigate the incident and bring those responsible, as well as their alleged sponsors, to justice.
Director said the party would not be deterred from organising and mobilising its members, adding that it remained committed to defending what it described as Nigeria’s democratic space.