The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has condemned the alleged attack on its members during a grassroots meeting in Obuoffia Ward, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The opposition party described the incident as unprovoked and accused suspected state-sponsored thugs of carrying out what it called repeated assaults against its members.
In a statement issued late Sunday, the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the party had a constitutional right to participate in the democratic process through peaceful assembly.
The party said the alleged NDC attack in Enugu would not deter its members from exercising their political rights ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“This incessant assault on our members by state-sponsored thugs must stop,” the statement said. “No amount of intimidation will silence this constitutionally guaranteed right.”
The NDC alleged that violence against its members in Enugu and other parts of the South-East amounted to an attack on democracy and the constitutional freedom of association.
The party also accused security agencies of being complacent in their response to alleged attacks against opposition groups in Enugu and across the South-East.
It recalled that its members were allegedly attacked on two occasions in Imo State during a town hall meeting and consultation involving its senatorial candidate, Uche Onyeagocha.
The NDC further alleged that the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Enugu was becoming concerned by what it described as the growing momentum of the opposition party.
However, the party insisted that the alleged attacks would not stop its mobilisation efforts or participation in the 2027 elections.
“If the goal of those sponsoring these thugs and attacks is to instill fear in the hearts of the people, they have failed woefully,” the statement said.
The party said the incident would instead strengthen its determination to canvass for support and mobilise voters for its candidates across the country.
The NDC called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged attack and ensure that those responsible, including their alleged sponsors, are brought to justice.
The party maintained that it would continue organising and mobilising supporters despite what it described as attempts to intimidate its members.
“The NDC will not be cowed. We will continue to organise, mobilise, and defend the democratic space,” it said.
