...Demands Probe, Accountability
The NDC candidate for Enugu East Senatorial Zone, Princess Ada Ogbu, has raised the alarm over the reported attack on members of the party during a ward meeting in Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area, calling for an immediate investigation and accountability for those behind the incident.
Ogbu, reacting to the attack, said nine NDC members remained critically injured and were receiving treatment in hospitals across Enugu, describing the development as deeply disturbing and unacceptable in a democratic society.
The senatorial candidate strongly condemned the incident, warning that political violence must not be allowed to gradually become an accepted feature of political engagement in Enugu State.
She called on Governor Peter Mbah, in his capacity as the Chief Security Officer of the state, to ensure that citizens are able to attend political meetings, support candidates of their choice and express their political opinions without fear of intimidation or violence.
“Governor Peter Mbah, as Chief Security Officer of the state, must ensure that citizens are free to attend political meetings, support candidates of their choice and express their political views without intimidation or violence,” Ogbu said.
The NDC candidate also recalled the tragic consequences of political violence during the last election cycle, noting that a candidate was allegedly murdered only days before the election.
According to her, Enugu must not return to an environment where violence, fear and intimidation become part of the electoral process.
“We have seen the consequences of this before. During the last election cycle, a candidate was murdered only days before the election. Enugu cannot afford to become a place where political violence is gradually accepted as part of the process,” she stated.
Ogbu consequently demanded a thorough investigation into the Obuoffia incident, urging security agencies to identify those responsible and ensure that they face the full consequences of the law.
“What happened in Obuoffia must be properly investigated, and those responsible must be held accountable,” she said.
She stressed that political contests should be determined by ideas, persuasion and the free choice of voters rather than violence and intimidation.
“Politics must remain a contest of ideas and choices, not fear and bloodshed,” the NDC candidate declared.
The statement comes amid heightened political activities across Enugu State, with the reported Obuoffia attack adding to growing concerns over the safety of opposition meetings and campaign activities ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Ogbu’s call has further placed the spotlight on the responsibility of security agencies and political leaders to protect the democratic space and ensure that every citizen can participate in the electoral process without fear.
While political activities intensify, the demand from opposition voices is becoming increasingly clear: political differences must be settled at the ballot box, not through violence.
