Enugu NDC gov candidate visits attacked members, pledges assistance

Chinyeaka Ohaa. Credit: Frontline Africa.

The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Enugu State, Chinyeaka Ohaa, has visited members of the party who were injured during an attack on a ward meeting in Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area of the state.

Ohaa, who condemned the attack, pledged to take responsibility for the medical expenses and other necessary costs incurred by the victims during their treatment and recovery.

The incident occurred on September 12, 2026, at Ihuani Awkunanaw, Obuoffia, where armed men reportedly disrupted the NDC ward meeting.

According to the NDC, eight of its members sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.

The Enugu State Police Command confirmed that armed men disrupted the meeting and subsequently ordered an investigation into the incident.

Speaking during his visit to the victims on Sunday, Ohaa said he was at the hospital not only as the party’s governorship candidate, but also as a citizen and indigene of Nkanuland.

“I saw their pain. No political ambition is worth the blood of an Enugu citizen.

“No political disagreement should ever lead to this. No ambition is worth the blood of an Enugu citizen,” he said.

The NDC candidate assured the injured persons that they would not be left to bear the financial burden of their treatment.

“On behalf of my family, I want to personally assure you that we will stand with you. We will take responsibility for your medical care and every necessary obligation connected to your treatment and recovery,” he assured.

“You should not have to worry about medical bills while you fight to regain your health. Your only responsibility now is to heal.”

Ohaa called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the attack.

He urged the authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible, regardless of their political affiliation or connections.

“We need justice, but we also need prevention. We cannot wait for another citizen to be shot before we take action,” he said.

The candidate also expressed concern over reports of disruptions at other political gatherings in Nkanu West on the same day, including an incident at St Joseph Primary School, Agbani.

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He said the reported incidents showed the need for urgent action by security agencies and political leaders to prevent violence during political activities.

“Violence must never become a language of politics in Enugu State,” Ohaa said.

Ohaa appealed to political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, elder statesmen, civil society organisations and other stakeholders in the state to speak against political violence.

“This is bigger than NDC. It is bigger than the PDP, Labour Party, APC or any other political organisation.

“Today, it may be an NDC meeting. Tomorrow, it could be another party. If we allow violence to become normal, eventually every political gathering becomes a potential danger zone,” he said.

The governorship candidate urged political actors to disagree without violence, campaign without intimidation and compete without bloodshed.

Ohaa also called on his supporters not to retaliate, saying his party would pursue lawful means in responding to the incident.

“We will not answer violence with violence. We will not encourage revenge. We will not allow anger to destroy the peace we are seeking to protect,” he said.

The candidate said residents should be able to participate in political activities without fear, adding that citizens deserved a government that valued their lives and dignity.

He said his administration, if elected in 2027, would prioritise security, justice, dignity and opportunity for residents.

“Enugu must not bleed for politics. Nkanuland must not become a theatre of political violence.

“Every life matters. Every citizen matters. Every vote must be protected,” Ohaa said.