Dr Reuben Onyishi, Senior Special Adviser to Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah on New Media, has rejected allegations linking the state government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to attacks on opposition party members, urging the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to address their internal challenges.
Onyishi made the remarks on September 14, 2026, while responding to accusations following attacks that disrupted political meetings in Enugu State. The incidents reportedly occurred during separate gatherings organised by the NDC and PDP in Nkanu West Local Government Area.
The NDC had accused suspected political thugs of attacking its members during a ward meeting in Obuoffia, while the PDP also reported disruption at a gathering in Agbani. The incidents reportedly left some attendees injured and damaged party materials.
Speaking during a live programme on Enugu-based Dream FM, Onyishi dismissed suggestions that the APC-led state government was responsible for the violence. He said the ruling party had no involvement in the attacks and questioned why opposition figures were directing blame at the government without establishing responsibility.
“APC doesn’t know anything about the attacks,” Onyishi said, according to reports of the broadcast. He also pointed to disputes surrounding the NDC’s primaries and related court cases, arguing that the party should resolve its internal issues rather than attribute the incidents to the government.
The opposition parties, however, have called for investigations into the attacks and urged security agencies to identify those responsible. The allegations against the state government and the ruling party have not been established as proven facts.
The controversy is significant as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections. Violence at political meetings can undermine citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of association and participation in the electoral process.
The Enugu State Police Command previously ordered investigations into reported attacks on party gatherings, while the APC also denied allegations that it sponsored violence against opposition members.
As political activity increases ahead of the polls, the outcome of impartial investigations will be important in determining accountability and reassuring residents that political participation can take place without intimidation.
