AKPUGO UNDER ATTACK: PDP WARD 3 RAISES ALARM OVER ALLEGED POLITICAL VIOLENCE, CALLS FOR JUSTICE

PDP AKPUGO WARD 3 CONDEMNS ALLEGED POLITICAL VIOLENCE AT WARD GENERAL MEETING, CALLS FOR IMPARTIAL INVESTIGATION

The leadership and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Akpugo Ward 3, have expressed deep concern and strongly condemned the alleged attack that occurred during the PDP Akpugo Ward 3 General Meeting held in Akpugo on Saturday, 29 August 2026.

According to reports received by the Ward leadership, the incident allegedly involved individuals identified as supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), members of the Nkanu West Central Neighbourhood Watch, and armed civilians believed to be associated with the APC.

We condemn the reported incident in the strongest possible terms.

A political meeting is not a battlefield. Differences in political beliefs should never be allowed to degenerate into violence, intimidation, threats, destruction or any attempt to suppress the fundamental rights of citizens to freely associate, assemble and express their political opinions.

What occurred in Akpugo, if established as reported, goes beyond an attack on members of one political party. It represents a serious threat to democratic participation and peaceful political engagement.

WE WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED

The people of Akpugo, Nkanu West and Enugu State deserve a political environment where ideas compete peacefully—not one where political disagreements are settled through intimidation, violence or threats.

We are particularly concerned that a routine ward meeting, where citizens had gathered peacefully to deliberate on party and community matters, could allegedly be disrupted by acts of violence.

Such incidents create fear among ordinary citizens and risk sending the dangerous message that individuals can be prevented from participating in democratic activities because of their political choices.

Let it therefore be stated clearly: the PDP in Akpugo Ward 3 will not be intimidated, silenced or driven away from the democratic process.

Our response will not be retaliation. Our response will be law, unity, organisation and the ballot box.

We call on the relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice, regardless of political affiliation, position or status.

We equally urge political leaders across party lines to restrain their supporters and unequivocally discourage political thuggery, provocation, intimidation and violence.

THE 2027 ELECTIONS MUST BE ABOUT THE PEOPLE

As Enugu State approaches the 2027 General Elections, today's events should serve as a reminder that democracy can only thrive where citizens are free to participate without fear.

Elections are won through the confidence and support of the people—not through intimidation.

Political violence does not strengthen democracy. It undermines public trust, creates fear and deepens divisions within communities.

The people will remember those who stood for peace.

They will remember those who respected democratic participation.

And they will remember those who sought to silence political opponents through intimidation or violence.

Ultimately, it is the ballot box that must provide the people with the opportunity to speak.

We therefore call on all PDP members and supporters to remain calm, disciplined and law-abiding. We must continue to demonstrate that the PDP stands for political maturity, tolerance, peaceful engagement and democratic responsibility.

OUR MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF ENUGU STATE

To the good people of Enugu State, we say: do not allow political violence to become the price of participating in democracy.

No political ambition is worth the life of an innocent citizen. No election is worth destroying the peace of our communities. And no political party should encourage its supporters to regard fellow citizens as enemies.

Politics will come and go, but the people of Akpugo will remain neighbours, brothers, sisters and members of the same community.

We therefore call on traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth leaders, women leaders, community leaders, security agencies and political stakeholders to rise above partisan interests and work collectively to protect the peace and security of our communities.

The PDP Akpugo Ward 3 remains firmly committed to peaceful political engagement, democratic participation and the rule of law.

We shall not retaliate.

We shall not be intimidated.

We shall remain united.

We shall continue to speak for the people.

The events of 29 August 2026 should serve as a clear reminder to all political actors that violence has no place in a democratic Enugu State.

As we move towards 2027, let the people decide through their votes—not through violence, intimidation or thuggery, but through democracy.

Signed:

Nnaji Ikenna Cletus

For: PDP Akpugo Ward 3

Nwodo Daniel Emeka

PDP Secretary, Akpugo Ward 3

Nnamani Onyinyechi

PDP Publicity Secretary, Akpugo Ward 3