2027: Enugu ADC alleges attacks, demands level playing field

By Anayo Okoli The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Enugu State has called on the state government to ensure a level playing field for all political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, alleging attacks on opposition supporters and urging authorities to prevent political violence. The party’s governorship candidate, Ocho Obodoeze, made the call after receiving an award from the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council.

Obodoeze accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of suppressing opposition parties and urged the state government to allow all political parties to campaign freely in accordance with the law. He also called on the government to fulfil its responsibility of protecting lives and property amid concerns over reported political violence in the state.

“Enugu State Government should allow every political party to campaign in the state, in line with the Electoral Act and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 general election. “The government should desist from muzzling opposition parties. Instead, they should allow them to campaign freely like the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), is doing.

Election is not a do-or-die affair. The will of the people must be allowed to prevail,” he said. Obodoeze dedicated his award to Ifeanyi Christopher Nworie, who reportedly died from gunshot injuries allegedly sustained during an attack on supporters of the opposition New Democratic Congress (NDC). Describing the gesture as emotional, the ADC candidate recalled that Nworie died from injuries he sustained during an attack by gunmen on an opposition party’s campaign office in Enugu on October 10, 2026.

He alleged that the incident reflected a pattern of attacks against opposition parties since political activities began ahead of the 2027 elections. The Enugu State Government, however, has denied involvement in political attacks in the state, insisting that opposition parties are free to campaign and criticise Governor Peter Mbah’s administration.

Meanwhile, the Enugu State chapter of the ADC has congratulated Obodoeze on the award presented to him during the Correspondents Chapel’s 2026 Press Week celebration. In a statement signed by the party’s state secretary, A. C. Udeh, the ADC described the award as well deserved and a morale booster for its members ahead of the 2027 elections. “The prestigious award is a clear testament that NUJ has discovered and recognised the uncommon good qualities embedded in our governorship candidate,” the party said.

It described Obodoeze as humble, compassionate and committed to the welfare of ordinary citizens, expressing confidence in his capacity to lead the state if elected governor. The party also pledged that an Obodoeze administration would reduce what it described as high and multiple taxation burdening residents of Enugu State. It further promised to prioritise the welfare of workers and pensioners, describing its candidate as accessible and committed to the development and prosperity of the state.