By Frontline Reporters

Opposition political parties in Enugu State have called on security agencies to investigate reported incidents of violence and intimidation involving their members and supporters, urging authorities to ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable under the law.

The call was made at a joint press conference attended by representatives of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Labour Party, African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The opposition leaders expressed concern over reported attacks on their supporters, campaign structures and political gatherings, warning that such incidents could undermine democratic participation ahead of the forthcoming elections.

Leading the address, PDP governorship candidate Wakibiah Uche Nnaji, alongside other party leaders, called for peaceful political engagement, insisting that political contests should be driven by service, performance and ideas rather than confrontation.

The coalition also urged political leaders, including presidential candidates, to uphold democratic principles and respect the rights of political opponents.

NDC governorship candidate Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa recounted incidents he alleged had disrupted his campaign activities and affected his supporters.

Ohaa alleged that supporters who gathered to welcome him at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu were tear-gassed and attacked by individuals he described as suspected thugs.

He further claimed that some vehicles were damaged, journalists’ mobile phones were seized and several supporters sustained injuries during the incident.

According to the candidate, his campaign office was subsequently attacked, with some victims reportedly suffering gunshot wounds and other injuries that required emergency medical attention.

Ohaa also expressed concern over the reported arrest and detention of a young man who allegedly livestreamed and reported the incident, calling for clarification of the circumstances surrounding the arrest.

Similarly, ADC governorship candidate Chief Ocho Obodoeze raised concerns over reported attacks and threats involving members of his party.

He maintained that security agencies had a duty to protect all citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations, and ensure that political activities could take place without fear or intimidation.

Obodoeze added that incidents involving ADC members at public gatherings had been documented and reported to the Department of State Services (DSS). He urged the relevant authorities to strengthen security arrangements to prevent further disruptions.

The coalition also cited a reported attack in a community associated with an NDC senatorial candidate, where more than 15 people were allegedly shot.

According to the opposition parties, several victims sustained serious injuries and required emergency medical treatment. They called for a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances of the incident and identify those responsible.

The opposition leaders urged security agencies to investigate the reported incidents impartially, establish the facts and ensure that anyone found responsible faced the full weight of the law.

They further called on federal security agencies to take the concerns raised by the parties seriously, while urging the international community to monitor developments relating to political participation and electoral security in Enugu State.

The coalition warned that political violence could erode public confidence in the electoral process, stressing that security chiefs must remain neutral and provide a safe environment for all political parties to campaign freely.

Despite their concerns, the opposition leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful and issue-based campaigns. They urged political actors to honour existing peace agreements and respect the electorate’s democratic rights.

They also called on political leaders and security agencies to work together to safeguard peace, security and peaceful coexistence in Enugu State ahead of the elections