Kenneth Okonkwo Condemns Attack on NDC Supporters in Enugu, Demands Arrests

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has condemned the reported attack on supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State, calling on security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible.

Okonkwo made his position known in a post on his official X account, where he warned that failure to hold perpetrators of political violence accountable could encourage lawlessness.

The incident occurred when suspected thugs allegedly attacked NDC supporters who had gathered to welcome the party’s governorship candidate, Chinyeaka Oha, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. The attack reportedly resulted in the death of at least one person.

Reacting to the incident, Okonkwo described the violence as deplorable and called for a thorough investigation to ensure that those involved were brought to justice.

“The disruption of the NDC rally in Enugu State, which was scheduled to welcome its governorship candidate, Chinyeaka Oha, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, and which resulted in the death of some NDC supporters, is deplorable,” he said.

He urged security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, arrest the suspected perpetrators and ensure that appropriate punishment followed where guilt is established.

“The security agencies must thoroughly investigate this incident with a view to arresting the culprits and punishing them commensurately,” Okonkwo stated.

The ADC chieftain also alleged that the violence reflected the desperation of political opponents seeking to gain power ahead of the 2027 general elections. He accused political thugs allegedly sponsored by the All Progressives Congress (APC) of being involved, although the supplied report did not provide independent evidence substantiating the allegation.

Okonkwo called on Nigerians, particularly residents and indigenes of Enugu State, to reject electoral violence and defend citizens’ rights to participate freely in the democratic process. He stressed that political supporters should be able to attend rallies and welcome candidates without fear of attacks.

“Hold attackers accountable or face anarchy. Anarchy prevails when security agencies fail, refuse or neglect to hold violent attackers accountable for their actions,” he said.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about political violence ahead of the 2027 elections and the responsibility of security agencies to protect political gatherings, investigate attacks and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.