The Enugu APC has demanded an apology from the NDC over conflicting accounts of the October 10 airport and secretariat incidents, questioning the party’s handling of reports about injured persons and defending the state government’s position.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State has demanded an apology from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) over the disputed incidents at Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the party’s state secretariat in Enugu on Saturday, October 10.
The APC accused the opposition party of misleading the public over the circumstances surrounding the incidents and questioned its account of the reported injuries at its secretariat.
The party’s state Publicity Secretary, Chief Uche Obute, made the position known while responding to a press conference addressed by the Enugu NDC chairman, Emmanuel Chukwujekwu Nebo.
The NDC had faulted the account presented by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, who addressed journalists on Sunday, October 11, about the airport confrontation and the reported shooting at the party’s secretariat.
Obute said individuals and institutions that claim integrity should acknowledge their mistakes and apologise when they are wrong.
He insisted that the NDC owed the people of Enugu State and Nigerians an unreserved apology over what he described as misleading claims.
The APC spokesman particularly questioned the NDC’s statement that it was still verifying the final medical status of those reportedly injured during the incident at its secretariat.
Obute asked why the party had observed a minute’s silence while still verifying the medical condition of the affected persons.
“The question is: since the NDC was still verifying the final medical status of person or persons injured in their party fracas, how come they declared and observed a minute’s silence to mourn the living?” he asked.
He alleged that the incident was being used to generate political sympathy and blamed the opposition party for attempting to gain political advantage from the controversy.
The allegations have not been independently established, and the circumstances surrounding the reported shooting remain subject to police investigation.
The Enugu State Government had earlier stated that one person, identified as Ifeanyi Nworie, sustained a gunshot injury and was taken to hospital for treatment. The government denied reports that anyone had died during the incident.
Obute also challenged the NDC’s claim that its gathering at Akanu Ibiam International Airport was intended only to welcome its governorship candidate, Chinyeaka Ohaa, rather than hold a statewide campaign flag-off.
The NDC had maintained that it notified relevant law enforcement agencies of its plans and made payments to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
However, the APC spokesman cited a screenshot of a Facebook post attributed to Ohaa, which advertised the event as the “Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off 2026.”
According to Obute, the promotional material listed Saturday, October 10, 2026, as the date, Akanu Ibiam International Airport as the venue, and 9 a.m. as the scheduled time.
He argued that the wording of the announcement contradicted the NDC’s subsequent description of the gathering as a reception for its governorship candidate.
The state government had similarly claimed that the party failed to secure the necessary FAAN approval for a statewide rally at the airport, despite being advised to obtain authorisation.
The NDC rejected the government’s account, accusing it of attempting to shift blame for the incident onto the party.
The airport confrontation occurred as supporters gathered to receive Ohaa. Police subsequently said joint security operatives intervened after disorder broke out among party members at the airport entrance.
The controversy over the two incidents has prompted calls for a thorough investigation into the reported violence at the NDC secretariat.
The Enugu State Police Command confirmed that Commissioner of Police Mamman Bitrus Giwa had ordered an investigation into the alleged shooting on October 10.
According to the police, the incident reportedly left a man who was repairing a vehicle near the secretariat with a suspected gunshot injury. Five parked vehicles also reportedly had their windscreens damaged.
The police said the injured man was evacuated for medical treatment and that the State Criminal Investigation Department had been directed to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and determine whether anyone should face criminal charges.
Obute commended the administration of Governor Peter Mbah for what he described as its commitment to protecting the democratic rights of residents, irrespective of political affiliation.
He urged opposition parties in Enugu State to avoid actions capable of escalating political tensions and instead focus on presenting their policy proposals to voters.
The APC spokesman maintained that political parties should campaign on their manifestoes rather than engage in accusations that could undermine peace and security.
The dispute comes amid preparations for the 2027 general elections, with political parties increasingly engaging in public exchanges over campaign activities and security concerns.
While the APC has called on the NDC to apologise, the police investigation into the reported shooting remains a key step towards establishing the facts surrounding the incidents.
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