NDC Rally Controversy: Enugu Government Reveals What Triggered Airport Confrontation

The Enugu State Government has denied allegations of involvement in Saturday’s incidents involving members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the party’s state secretariat in Enugu.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Ọnyia, said the government investigated the incidents after reports emerged linking it to the confrontation at the airport and the violence at the party’s secretariat.

Speaking to journalists at the Government House in Enugu, Ọnyia explained that the airport confrontation reportedly followed an attempt by the NDC to organise a rally without obtaining the necessary authorisation from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

He said the party had circulated a notice inviting members and supporters to what it described as its “Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off 2026” at the airport. The announcement was also reportedly shared on the Facebook page of the party’s governorship candidate in Enugu State.

According to Ọnyia, the police advised the organisers to obtain approval from FAAN before proceeding with the event and deploying security personnel to the facility. He alleged that the party failed to secure the required authorisation despite the warnings.

The SSG said NDC members subsequently mobilised to the airport, where an attempt to gain access to the facility reportedly resulted in a confrontation with airport authorities.

He added that security operatives intervened and dispersed the party members to restore order, describing the airport as a strategic national asset. Ọnyia also maintained that the government’s account was consistent with a statement issued by the Enugu State Police Command on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

The government also rejected reports that the incident at the NDC state secretariat in the GRA area of Enugu resulted in a death.

Ọnyia said security reports indicated that a violent clash had occurred at the party’s office and that the police were investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He identified the injured party member as 43-year-old Ifeanyi Nworie, who reportedly sustained a gunshot wound. According to the SSG, Nworie was initially taken to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, before being transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Enugu for further treatment.

The government insisted that no death had been recorded in connection with the secretariat incident, disputing claims allegedly circulated by some reports and NDC leaders.

Ọnyia maintained that the state government was not responsible for the incidents, adding that its findings pointed to separate circumstances surrounding the airport confrontation and the violence at the party’s secretariat.

The police investigation into the secretariat incident is expected to establish the circumstances that led to the clash and determine whether any individuals should face legal action.