Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has condemned the attack on party supporters in Enugu State, warning that political violence could threaten peace and safety across the country.
Obi spoke after suspected political thugs attacked NDC supporters at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and later at the party’s state secretariat in Enugu on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
The supporters had gathered at the airport to welcome the party’s Enugu State governorship candidate, Chinyeaka Ohaa, ahead of the party’s statewide campaign flag off.
According to reports by Premium Times, the gathering was disrupted by suspected hoodlums, with gunshots causing panic as supporters ran for safety. Videos of the incident showed people fleeing, damaged vehicles and a supporter suffering a bleeding head injury after allegedly being struck with a plank.
The violence reportedly continued after party members moved to the NDC secretariat in the Government Reserved Area of Enugu, where another confrontation disrupted the campaign gathering.
Obi expressed anger over the incident and called on those in positions of authority to take the situation seriously. He warned that when lawlessness spreads, nobody is safe from its consequences.
The NDC also raised concerns over the treatment of its members and alleged that security personnel used tear gas and fired shots during the incident. These allegations have not been independently established in full.
The attack sparked conflicting claims about whether anyone died. Obi said the incident had reportedly claimed a life, reflecting concerns raised after the violence. However, the Enugu State Government later rejected reports of a death and said no life was lost.
The Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, said a 43 year old NDC member, Ifeanyi Nworie, sustained a gunshot wound during the incident at the party secretariat. According to the government, Nworie was taken to Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, before being transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital for further examination.
Onyia said the airport incident involved the party and federal authorities. He explained that the NDC had not obtained approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to hold a major rally at the airport, despite advice from security agencies to reconsider the gathering.
The government condemned political violence and said the police were investigating the confrontation at the party secretariat.
The latest incident comes weeks after another attack on NDC supporters during a grassroots meeting in Obuoffia Ward, Nkanu West Local Government Area, in September. That incident reportedly left several party members with gunshot injuries.
Obi has also said threats forced the cancellation of some of his scheduled engagements in different states after people who invited him reportedly received warnings.
The latest violence has raised fresh concerns about the safety of political gatherings ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections. The circumstances surrounding the Enugu attacks, the identities of those responsible and the full extent of the injuries remain matters requiring further investigation.
Obi’s message is that political disagreements must not lead to violence, and those responsible for attacks on citizens should face the law.
