The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has condemned the attack on its members during a peaceful grassroots meeting in Obuoffia Ward, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
In a statement on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary
Nigeria, Osa Director, the NDC described the attack as “dastardly” and “unprovoked.”
The party alleged that the attack was carried out by state-sponsored thugs, vowing that the it would not be detterred by such violent acts against its members.
“This incessant assault on our members by state-sponsored thugs must stop.
“As a registered political party, we have every constitutional right to participate in the democratic process through peaceful assembly.
“No amount of intimidation will silence this constitutionally guaranteed right,” the NDC said.
The party stressed that the violence visited on its members in Enugu and other parts of the South-East was an affront to Nigeria’s democracy and a direct attack on the freedom of association guaranteed by the Constitution.
“No individual and no political party has a monopoly on violence.
“Those sponsoring thugs to attack NDC members should know that we reserve the right to self-defence.
“No further attack on our members will be tolerated,” the party said.
The NDC condemned the “complacency and lackadaisical attitude of the security agencies towards the opposition in Enugu and across the South-East,” adding that their failure to act promptly and decisively has emboldened the attackers.
“The NDC has previously been attacked twice in Imo State during a town hall meeting and consultation by the party’s senatorial candidate, Uche Onyeogocha.
“The ruling APC in Enugu is clearly jittery and disturbed by the growing momentum of the NDC.
“However, no one can prevent the NDC from exercising its right to democratic participation in the 2027 general elections,” the party insisted.
The NDC warned that the plans by the sponsors of the attacks to instill fear on its members would fail as it would lead to strengthening its candidates.
“If the goal of those sponsoring these thugs and attacks is to instill fear in the hearts of the people, they have failed woefully.
“This cowardly act will only strengthen our resolve to canvass and mobilise for the party and its candidates across the board.”
The party called on the security agencies to immediately launch a thorough investigation into the attack and bring the perpetrators and their sponsors to justice without delay.
“The NDC will not be cowed. We will continue to organise, mobilise, and defend the democratic space,” the party said.
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