Nigeria: Enugu Alleges Plot By Opposition to Import Thugs, Destabilise State Ahead of 2027 Polls

What the report says

Enugu State Government said it had uncovered what it described as plans by opposition figures to bring armed thugs and bandits into the state to stir panic and project insecurity before Nigeria’s 2027 general election. The comments were made by Secretary to the State Government Chidiebere Onyia at a press briefing in Government House, Enugu, according to the report published by This Day and distributed by AllAfrica.

Onyia said the administration of Governor Peter Mbah remains committed to protecting residents’ political rights and maintaining the peace the state says it has achieved over the past three years. He argued that the government does not need “desperate measures” to seek re-election, saying it expects voters to judge the administration by its record in office. He also urged parties to campaign on issues and avoid politically driven violence.

The state government also addressed two incidents involving the National Democratic Congress (NDC): a clash at Akanu Ibiam International Airport and a shooting at the party’s secretariat in Enugu. Onyia said the airport confrontation followed an attempt to hold a campaign event there without approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and that police and other security agencies intervened to restore order. On the secretariat shooting, he said police were investigating and that the government’s preliminary findings found no fatalities, though one man was injured and treated at hospital.

The allegations and counterclaims come amid heightened political positioning ahead of 2027. As presented in the source, the state’s central message was a call for restraint, lawful campaigning and respect for public order.